During the preseason, we’ll be posting Q&A sessions with players and giving you their thoughts on training camp as we get closer to the Strikers home opener on Saturday, April 6 against FC Edmonton. Today we spoke with one of the newest Strikers, #19 Gonzalo De Mujica.

The majority of your playing experience has been at the college level, what are your impressions of camp with the Strikers so far?

“In college, you can go a bit easy if you’ve been there before. But here you’re always fighting for a spot, so you have to always be consistent. That’s what I’m expecting.”

What have been your impressions of Coach Shore?

“Coach speaks his mind, he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He tells you what he thinks—the truth—and you’ve got to be able to handle it. I like that in coach. I prefer to know what our expectations are and when we don’t meet them.”

What are your goals for the preseason?

“Of course I want to get fit, to be able to play 90 minutes. I want to get to know my teammates a little bit better to get the chemistry going. And get in the flow of the game, learning how coach wants us to play.”

What piece of advice have you given to players at the college level that you would give yourself with the Strikers?

“You can’t be nervous. You have to be calm and play your game.”

What are your goals for the season?

“To earn a starting spot on the team. Always have an impact on the team. If I have to defend, I’ll defend. If I have to get some assists, I’ll get some assists. Scoring goals is always nice. And winning is the first priority, always.”