When it comes to his job, Troy Perkins is all business.
The seven-year MLS veteran goalkeeper was acquired by the Impact in August from the Portland Timbers, and as a result, he feels he still has a lot to prove.
“Being traded midseason to a new club, it’s hard to know what that club’s expectations were. Now that I have a better idea of what the team expects from me, I can work towards fulfilling their needs, while fulfilling my own expectations of being one of the top keepers in this league, which I know I am.”
Perkins won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2006 as well as being named to the league’s Best Xl, and made seven appearances for the U.S. national team in 2009 while playing for Valerenga of the Norwegian first division (2008-2010). However, he fell upon some hard times in MLS upon his return to MLS in 2010 with D.C. United.
I have a better idea
of what the team expects from me
The Springfield, Ohio native did get off to a good start with his new team, posting four shutouts in nine games with the Impact, good for a 3-3-3 record while allowing just eight goals over that span - a good first step in proving to those in U.S. soccer circles that Perkins still has what it takes to be an impact player.
“I got a lot of naysayers to prove wrong. I can’t stand people making judgements on players when they don’t know what they’re talking about.”
Perkins determination bodes well for the Impact entering its sophomore season in 2013.
