MetroFanatic: How do I put this nicely... Not many fans were happy with your performance last year. Your trade was called one of the worst trades in team history.
Kevin Goldthwaite: (laughs) Yeah, I heard that one.

MF: So what changed this year?
KG: Going back home after I got hurt, I was able to sort things out, come back and realize I got nothing to lose. As far as playing and how things have been going, have fun, not worry what people are gonna say, not worry what the coach is gonna say, and come out and do whatever I can to play. My confidence is one thing that has really turned around.

MF: Is there a different atmosphere on the team this year?
KG: A little bit. Some of the guys from last year have left, but not drastic. Right now, everyone is in a good mood. The banter in the locker room is good, so now things are going well.

MF: You're the only player on the team with actual MLS Cup experience, even if it was sitting on the bench. Does that come into play in any way?
KG: (laughs) Not really. 90 percent of the guys here have played in playoff games.

MF: Played and lost.
KG: (laughs) Yeah, but they won a game here and there, I don't think many of the guys have actually won a series. It comes down to just hard work and competing on the field. I think everyone on this team has that fight and that edge that I have.

MF: How has been the transition since Jeff and Jon got suspended?
KG: It has actually been pretty smooth. We have the right guys to fill in for them. We have Boyens, we have Cichero, we have Diego, who's actually played very well for us. Besides missing them in the locker room, and missing Jon's vociferous voice in the back, the transition has been pretty smooth.

MF: Danny is pretty loud too.
KG: Yeah, he's pretty loud. Good guy to have back there. Nothing but good faith in him back there between the posts.

MF: Do you see yourself as more of a leader now, especially with Jeff out?
KG: I'm not trying to change what I've done in the past, just go into every game with the same attitude and mentality. But not having Jeff out there is a big loss for us.

MF: You were named the team's defender of the year.
KG: By default, but I'll take it. (laughs)

MF: That's a perfect answer, we'll just end right here.