Mapp: "I Want To Show I Can Play"

(December 30, 2002) - Although fans know what new D.C. United midfielder Dema Kovalenko brings to the table in MLS, they may be less familiar with Justin Mapp - the other player involved in Thursday's trade who played a total of 28 minutes in his rookie season.

MLSnet.com caught up with Mapp, a key fixture on Thomas Rongen's U.S. Under-20 National Team, who will be performing for the Barn Burners in Chicago beginning this year:

MLSnet.com: With the Under-20 World Youth Championships and the move to the Chicago Fire, 2003 can really shape up to be your year?

Justin Mapp: There's a lot coming up and a lot of opportunities to show what I can do and play at my best. I want to show everyone I can play.

MLSnet.com: How do things change for you as a professional with this move to the Fire?

Justin Mapp: I was just getting used to life as a pro last year with D.C. United. D.C. is a great organization and now with the move to Chicago it's a change but it's part of the game and the business. It's another great organization with great history. I'm looking forward to playing the best I can for the Fire and seeing Chicago.

MLSnet.com: What was your immediate reaction when you heard the Fire mentioned in the trade rumors and were there any other teams that came up?

Justin Mapp: First thing that came to mind was: great organization. I know several of the younger players on the Fire through the youth national teams. Chicago is a great city and it has a great soccer tradition with the Fire. I'm pleased. As far as other teams go, I only heard the name of the Fire come up in trade talk.

MLSnet.com: How well do you know new Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan? Has he ever coached you?

Justin Mapp: He trained us down in Bradenton, Florida with the Under-17 National Team a couple of years back for a few sessions. Other than that I just know of him with the U.S. National Team.

MLSnet.com: How did your first year in MLS go in 2002? Was there a specific reason you didn't see much playing time?

Justin Mapp: I was working hard in practice. The coach makes the decision who plays. I don't know what it can be attributed to. I was doing my best in practice and I thought didn't get my fair share of time. I could have played more and perhaps contributed to D.C. but it was the coach's decision. He saw something else he liked. Hopefully this year I can get on the field more and play.

Craig Capano was another creative player who stood out on the Under-17 U.S. squad of 2001.

MLSnet.com: Did you ever go to Ray Hudson and ask for a trade?

Justin Mapp: Not really. It was my first year and I wasn't expecting to play a whole lot. I was hoping to play more but I thought if I continued to work hard I could break into the lineup and start contributing. I never thought about a trade. This one (Thursday) happened and I'm looking forward to the opportunity with the Fire.

MLSnet.com: How would you describe yourself as a player?

Justin Mapp: I consider myself a left-sided player. As far as playing other positions, that's still up in the air. But I consider myself a left-sided player who can take on people and get into the attack, making runs behind the defense, playing with high energy.

MLSnet.com: You're one of a series of players to emerge who likes to take on players and be creative. Where did you get that tendency?

Justin Mapp: Growing up I've always been like that. As a kid I liked that part of the game. Why not give creativity a try? Nothing bad can happen. I'll try anything on the field. I just give everything I've got and play with a lot of energy. I do what I can to help the team win, whether it's winning balls, taking people on or sending in crosses.

MLSnet.com: You have some big shoes to fill to replace fan favorite Dema Kovalenko?

Justin Mapp: Replacing Dema - I don't know if that's possible. He's a great player but I'll do what I can. I'll be doing the best I can and I'll look to bring to the table the same energy and passion.

MLSnet.com: With DaMarcus Beasley being a left-sided midfielder for most of his MLS career, the same position you play, how do you see that situation shaking out?

Justin Mapp: I haven't spoken with DaMarcus but I know him from the youth national teams. I'm friends with him but I haven't spoken to him as of late. I'm not sure what their plans are. I'll wait to see where they play us. It will be interesting.

MLSnet.com: You know the Fire's Craig Capano from your Under-17 days ... what has he told you about the Fire?

Justin Mapp: He has loved it from what he's told me. He's having a great time. He never had any problems. It's good to hear that it's been a great experience. I hope it's the same for me. Craig is a good friend of mine. I knew him with the Under-17s and lived with him for a couple of years. I've kept in touch with him a lot. I'll probably look into living with him. That's a good possiblity.

MLSnet.com: How do the 2003 Under-20 World Championships in the United Arab Emirates which begin March 25 affect your efforts to try to win a spot on the Fire?

Justin Mapp: Obviously I won't be in practices with the Fire all the time. but if I can have a good showing with the Under-20s, that will help me break in. Hopefully it won't hurt me in any way.

MLSnet.com: That Under-20 competition is not that far off ... looking forward to it?

Justin Mapp: Not many people get to play in that tournament. It's quickly approaching. I am already thinking about it and looking forward to it.

MLSnet.com: Justin, 2006 is down the line ... do you hope you can make an impression on Bruce Arena to get a look on that World Cup Team?

Justin Mapp: That is a ways away but you never know. It's a goal of mine and it should be a goal of all players. Young players have done it before and been to the World Cup. Why not me? I'll go out and play my best and we'll see what happens.

MLSnet.com: A message for Fire fans?

Justin Mapp: I'm looking forward to a good season and to putting on a show for those great fans. I've only seen them on TV - never up close. So I'm looking forward to helping the team win. It's going to be a fun 2003.

Justin Mapp

Position: Midfielder
Height: 5'10” (1.78 m)
Weight: 140 lbs. (64 kg)
Born: October 18, 1984, in Brandon, MS
Hometown: Brandon, MS
Citizenship: USA
Last Club: D.C. United (MLS)
How Acquired: Acquired via trade with D.C. United on December 26, 2002, for midfielder Dema Kovalenko
Pro Outdoor Experience: Chicago Fire, MLS (present); D.C. United, MLS (2002)
Pronunciation: MAP

MLS Career: Mapp joined the Fire on December 26, 2002, from D.C. United in a trade for midfielder Dema Kovalenko. The left-footed midfielder has appeared in three games in his young MLS career logging 28 minutes. A first-round selection (fourth overall) in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft, he joined D.C. after finishing his high school education in Mississippi and became the fifth-youngest player in MLS history when he entered a game on 7/24/02 for D.C. 2002: United took the slow-and-steady approach with Mapp. The 17-year-old midfielder began working with United on a full-time status in May after completing his high-school studies in Mississippi. Mapp made his MLS debut on 7/24 @ CLB, replacing Lazo Alavanja in the 89th minute. Overall, the U-20 National Team stalwart appeared in three contests, all as a substitute, for a total of 28 minutes.

U.S. National Team: 2001: Mapp joined the U.S. Under-20 National Team for its year opening training camp in San Diego. He was the second youngest player on the U.S. roster for the FIFA U-17 World Youth Championship in September 2001 with Fire midfielder Craig Capano as the youngest. Mapp started all three matches for the U.S. in that tournament, which began only three days after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. He finished his Under-17 career with three goals and six assists in 22 international matches. Mapp made 88 overall appearances for the Under-17's, starting in 57. He appeared in all 10 of the USA's 10 internationals in 2001 prior to the World Championship. 2000: Mapp was one of seven players to appear in 50 or more matches in 2000, when he finished fourth on the team with 19 goals. He finished with three multiple goal games in 2000, including a hat trick against the Under-18s of Team Boca. 1999: Mapp played with the 1999 Under-16 Boy's National Team.

Prep: Mapp was named a 2001 Parade Magazine All-American; along with Under-17 teammate Capano was one of only five sophomores on the squad. He played as a freshman at Northwest Rankin High School before leaving for the residency program in December 2000. Rankin went on to win the state title. Mapp's club team, Jackson FC has won the state title from the Under-13 through the Under-16 levels. His club team also won the Tampa Sun Bowl in 1999.

Personal: Most rewarding soccer moment was playing with the U-17s in the FIFA World Youth Championship… Considers Ryan Giggs his most respected soccer player… Favorite stadium is Columbus Crew Stadium… Toughest player he ever faced is Eddie Pope in training with DC and the national team programs… Most influential soccer figure is Craig Demmin, who coached him in Mississippi… Hobbies include listening to music, hanging out with friends, white boarding, and all other sports… Favorite NBA team is the Chicago Bulls… Favorite actor is Woody Harrelson and actress is Jennifer Aniston… Favorite movie is “King Pin.”