Interview by Chad "Klownz" Anderson
Graphics by Nick Lupo

Hey there Yfran! I’d like to start by congratulating you so far on your success in the CGS. Tonight I would like to discuss your journey and your thoughts and feelings thus far, so let’s get started!

Your current record is 6-1, with the closest opponent being Stermy^, at 5-2. Do you feel as though you will be able to continue your dominance throughout the rest of the CGS season?

I wouldn’t go as far as dominating opponents, but there is definitely a possibility that I can finish at the top of the division. I don’t see anyone dominating an opponent in this division so it will be very interesting to see how these games finish.

Your first loss was against last year’s number one FIFA player, WiZaKoR – Do you believe that this was an upset or just a very well played match?

You know, I went back to the apartment that night and I was very upset. But I lost to Wizakor. I mean come on…Wizakor was the number one FIFA player last year and I think that he is phenomenal this year as well. I kept telling myself that he was a great player and he proved me right. So with that said, this was definitely NOT an upset.

How has the transition been from playing online to playing in the CGS arena?

It’s been a bit shaky for me simply because I don’t have the same feel as I did at home, where I played online. But this is something that all the players have to get used to and although I didn’t like it at first, I think that I am getting used to it. There’s definitely a lot more pressure in the CGS arena but that’s just part of the game :D

Are there any special traditions or rituals that you complete before or after every time you play?

Yes. Pray to God that I don’t let my team down. He’s been doing all the work so far.

How has your experience in Los Angeles been thus far?

It’s been going very well. I love it! The people in my opinion aren’t as talkative as the people you would meet in NYC, but that’s fine. The beach is great and so are the beautiful women :D Overall it’s such a great place to be in the summer and I am happy that Brian has given me the opportunity.

Now that you have competed against the best of the best, whose playing style do you think provides the most challenge against your own?

Dr. Dogg asked me this question a few games ago and nothing has changed. I find it very difficult to play against the styles of Wizakor and Anomaly. They are both such talented players and they adjust extremely well. That’s pretty much all I have to say about that.

How did winning your first CGS match feel?

It felt great. It was definitely a relief and I felt that I could win a lot more. Getting the first win is always good as it opens the door for many more in the future.

Some call you a penalty kick savant, is this an accurate description of you?

I guess. Since the CGS Combine in Austin I am 7-1 in penalty shootouts, so I certainly think that that title is appropriate.

Someone take this kid to Las Vegas, with a streak like his you are bound to hit the jackpot.

Yeah I just saw that quote. All I have to say is you can rent me for the night and I do not expect to pay my way if you would like for me to accompany you. Call me for quotes.

In your debut match you defeated Anomaly, Chicago’s former FIFA player, do you believe that the match against him set the tone for your freshman season?

The win set the tone. Who I played? I don’t think that has any influence on the tone at all.

After playing in seven matches, how is your confidence level?

I am confident that I can win any match as long as I keep training. You are always playing the same players, so working hard and adjusting is absolutely key. Once I feel that I have played enough before the match, then my confidence is pretty high.

The War Room must be intense, how much practice are you getting in on an average day and how is it coming along?

I will play for four hours minimum in a day. During the season I think that that is a lot of training, but I am always uneasy at the chance that someone is training while I am watching a movie or something.

What is your favorite FIFA 08 team to play with and why?

At the moment it’s Brazil. They offer a strong defense which is always important to me as well as a speedy attack which is also important to me.

Now, the burning question on everyone’s mind…would you rather win in regulation or penalty kicks? Most believe that it would be easier to win in regulation, but you seem to take it to overtime quite often!

I take it to overtime because unfortunately I seem to struggle with closing out the game in regulation. It is something I am training on every day though and I hope to have more games end in regulation in the future! Yeah so I would definitely like to end the game in regulation.

Finally, how will you keep your winning ways going?

Keep playing and studying opponents. Also, have more effective training sessions. It’s easy to think that these wins will keep coming, but I will have to stay on top of my game and not let up for one moment.

Thanks for talking with us and good luck with the rest of the season. Do you have any shout-outs?

I would just like to give a shoutout to my family who has been supporting me every step of the way. Also to the Chicago Chimera who have given me the opportunity to perform for them. My teammates are great and I am ecstatic to be part of a highly supported organization. The fans are amazing – thanks for the support guys. I would lastly just like to say thanks to all the other CGS players for being so warm to me. You all have made my experience a great one thus far.