Q&A With Matt Van Houten

By Athletic Communications on September 15, 2010 1:21 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Senior Matt Van Houten (Portland, Ore.) has high expectations for the men's soccer team in 2010. So far on the season, he has one assist and a team-high 13 shots. He will play his final regular season game as Husky in his hometown this weekend as UW faces No. 15 Portland at 7 p.m. on Saturday. He sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Matt Van Houten: "Arrogant athletes."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?
MVH: "I have to wear the same clothes, shin guards and cleats every game."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?
MVH: "Original Xbox."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

MVH: "Stephen Fung, because he is from the island and will know the terrain to survive."

GH: What's your favorite board game?
MVH: "Cranium."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?
MVH: "Because it's the world's sport."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

MVH: "Robin van Persie, because he is fast, scores goals, and is Dutch (Netherlands)."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?
MVH: "Always give 110% when I'm playing and give all the glory to God."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

MVH: "Beaverton, Ore., is the home of Nike."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?
MVH: "Even when you outplay a team, you can still lose the game."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?
MVH: "Competitive nature, always wanting to win."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?
MVH: "Pac-10 Championship."