Monday May 19, 2008
Coach Jason Smith stumbled across Jason McLaughlin, a speedy forward for the University of Alabama-Birmingham, at a preseason friendly three years ago. McLaughlin gave the professionals he was running against considerable trouble, which led to an invitation to joining the Silverbacks for a preseason trial. Of course McLaughlin jumped at the offer, and by the end of the season found a regular place in the Silverbacks line up. With five goals and two assists in 28 appearances, McLaughlin turned himself into a prized commodity, taking advantage of an offer from the Montreal Impact to move north. His stay in Montreal was short lived, however. A trade with the Vancouver Whitecaps sent him to the other side of Canada, where he was a regular, but did not enjoy the success he had in Atlanta. At the end of the season he jumped at the chance to return to the club with which he made his professional debut. And with four goals in five games, obviously it was the right move. We sat down with the re-acquired McLaughlin to get to know him a little better.

Atlanta Silverback: Full Name
Jason McLaughlin: Jason Raymond McLaughlin.

AS: Birthday
JM: April 14, 1982.

AS: Position
JM: Midfield slash forward.

AS: Where were you born?
JM: Provo, Utah

AS: Hometown
JM: Wetumpka, Alabama

AS: Are you married?
JM: Yes.

AS: Any children?
JM: Yes, one.

AS: Where did you go to college?
JM: UAB

AS: How old were you when you first played soccer?
JM: Six.

AS: What other sports did you play?
JM: Tennis and football.

AS: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
JM: Japan.

AS: What person, living or dead, do you most admire?
JM: My dad.

AS: Best player you have ever played with?
JM: Alex Pineda-Chacon.

AS: Best player you’ve ever played against?
JM: Zinho.

AS: How did you become a Silverback?
JM: Jason Smith saw me play in college and he invited me to come try out.

AS: Favorite fictional character?
JM:  Wolverene, from the X-Men.

AS: Would you rather cook or eat out?
JM: If my wife is cooking, stay in. She cooks better than any restaurant.

AS: What do you like to do after games?
JM:  I like to watch the game film.

AS: Global warming, myth or mayhem?
JM:  I guess it’s true.

AS: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would that be?
JM:   I’d try to be a little bit more humble.

AS: When you hear a child say they want to be a professional soccer player when they grow up, what do you tell them?
JM:  Work hard.

AS: Best thing about your job?
ZK: I get to play soccer.

AS: What’s the hardest part of your job?
JM:  I don’t think there is a hard part. It’s always fun.

AS: What do you think you’ll do when you are finished playing?
JM:  Coach, maybe a teacher.

AS: What’s the first thing you will do at the end of the season?
JM:  Maybe go on vacation or something.

AS: Who will win MLS?
JM:  I really don’t know.

AS: Who will win USL1?
JM:  Atlanta Silverbacks.

AS: Who will win the World Cup first, the U.S. or England?
JM:  U.S.

AS: What are you doing after this interview?
JM:  Take a shower and go grocery store.

AS: Thanks, and good luck.