This is promising to be a vital season for the NASL’s Ottawa Fury FC. In what is now their sophomore year, there will be no excuses for failure despite the club’s relative infancy. As things stand on paper they are poised to be remarkably better on the pitch with the additions that they have made in the offseason. One player who stands above the rest in terms of potential to make an impact is none other than former Toronto FC and FC Dallas striker Andrew Wiedeman.
A clinical striker, Wiedeman excels when given the slightest of space, terrorizing the backline with his aerial prowess and finishing ability. Now entering the prime years of his career, he exhibited much promise in his time at Toronto but ultimately fell victim to multiple managerial changes and constant influx of players.
He was originally the 21st overall pick in the 2010 MLS Superdraft by FC Dallas and was shipped to Toronto in the deal that sent Julian De Guzman the other way in 2012. It seems like ages ago when you put in perspective that the manager who brought him in is presently a TV pundit, an era with names like Frings and Koevermans still in the headlines for Toronto FC.
We are very privileged to catch up with Andrew and discuss his views on the upcoming season, his time in Toronto and much more.
First off Andrew, what made you choose NASL, and were you set on remaining in Canada prior to joining the Fury?
I just thought that Ottawa provided the best opportunity to find success. Geography had nothing to do with the decision. My good buddy, Ryan Richter, went on loan for a portion of the season last year and came back with nothing but great things to say about the club and coach. I was able to visit him for a weekend while he was in Ottawa and it was apparent that the team had big aspirations and wanted to play an attractive style of soccer. I spoke with the manager in December. After the conversation I knew that was where I wanted to be.
What role would you prefer to play for the Fury this season, and are you excited to be given a fresh start in a new environment?
Marc [Dos Santos] was very clear in that he wanted me to come as a number 9. The main part of my game is finishing. That’s what I bring to the table and it’s easiest to showcase those skills as a striker. For so much of my career I’ve bounced around positionally whether it was right back in Dallas or out wide in the midfield with a couple of the managers in Toronto. It was nice to hear the coach’s thoughts and be completely on the same page.
And yes, I’m absolutely excited about a fresh start. I love Toronto and it will always hold a very special place in my heart but I think it was clear to most that my time had exhausted here.
How are you preparing for the 2015 spring NASL season – what does your offseason training regiment consist of, and how is preparing for NASL different than MLS if it is any different at all?
Preparation for both seasons is relatively the same. The only difference is that you have an extra month in NASL. Two offseasons ago the Toronto fitness coach at the time, Nick Milonas, set me up with a program and I came into preseason feeling the best that I ever have. So I basically just stick to that regiment, which is a mixture of cardio, plyometrics, weights, and agility.
What stands out from your time at TFC?
Hands down the fans. They truly care about the team. The first year I got traded, we didn’t win for 14 straight games. Yet we were still drawing 18,000 a game. My rookie year in Dallas we went undefeated for 19 straight and we weren’t getting crowds of that capacity. That always struck me. Yea fans were frustrated and would voice their disproval both towards the club and myself individually, but I never really minded. It was just a bi-product of their passion and investment in the team. There aren’t many markets in the league that can rival the passion this city has for football. It’s one of the reasons I came to love Toronto so much.
Three seasons, three managers – of the revolving door of them, who had the largest impact on you and your development as a player in Toronto?
Both Paul and Nelly. Paul gave me confidence and an opportunity. Without his encouragement and belief I’m not sure I’d still be playing. But in terms of actual development it was Ryan. I learned a ton from him. He’s extremely intelligent and has a unique perspective of the game. And he’s able to effectively communicate that perspective. Everyday that I came to training under Nelly I felt like I learned and became a better player.
If you had to pick between your two most famous strikes during your time in Toronto, of the goal against Tottenham or the goal in the rain against Columbus which do you prefer?
Columbus. It was a real game and got us real points.
At TFC, you became a fan favourite – what is the most notable experience you’ve had with a supporter?
At the end of the season Jeremy Hall and I both knew we weren’t coming back and so we had a going away of sorts at this bar/restaurant in Liberty Village. A few fans showed up and there was this one guy in particular that I had never met before. Steve Caldwell, Jeremy, and myself were all sitting at the bar when he came up and said hello. He started telling us how he doesn’t really go out all that much. But he saw a tweet about us going away and figured it was sign. So we had some drinks and he stuck around all night and just seemed to be have a genuinely good time. We’ve always considered ourselves to be pretty approachable so I thought it was cool that this guy felt at ease enough to be able to venture outside his normal comfort zone. I’m sure the booze didn’t hurt either.
You’ve stolen the hearts of many female supporters throughout your career. Any comments on that?
Many female supporters stole my heart too.
Often in Toronto you were always in the midst of various community initiatives such as making appearances at Sick Kids Hospital – how important is community involvement to you, and is this something you would like to continue doing in Ottawa?
It’s huge. We’re extremely fortunate to be in the position we are and it’s all because of the people around us. The community gives so much to us, so it’s always a pleasure to be able to return the favor and make a difference in somebody’s day. It’s extremely fulfilling so I would love to continue the involvement in Ottawa.
Growing up in California, did you have a club you supported and what players did you look up to?
I was always a San Jose Clash fan. I remember John Doyle came out to one of my tournaments when I was like eight and congratulated the team on our victory. From that point on I was a huge Doyle fan. He actually ended up coaching me as I got a little bit older so it all came full circle.
On another note, you’ve steadily increased from a 55 to a 58 and now a 60 for the past two seasons in the popular EA Sports video game franchise FIFA, your highest attribute being jumping in this year’s edition; what do you make of this?
All that tells me is that EA Sports does not do their homework. I should be at least a 96. And that’s a conservative 96 at that.
Lastly, you are very engaged with your fans on social media; is there anything you’d like to say to your loyal Twitter followers?
#thanksfortheloveguys
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