In the latest installment of Q&A, we catch up with Californian defender Jordan Harvey, a fan favourite who has truly made Vancouver home.
What photo on your phone means the most to you?
Definitely one of my family photos. I changed my screensaver to this one after we took a trip to Cabo in the offseason.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Vancouver?
I like walking on the seawall during sunset. I think it’s just gorgeous out here. Also, my wife and I like to go out to eat and there are so many amazing restaurants here. Mexican food is our favourite so we like to try different Mexican places.
Who is your favourite soccer player?
In the past it was Paolo Maldini and Roberto Carlos. I was moved to left back pretty early, when I was about 13. I was pretty young when I started idolizing fullbacks and Maldini and Roberto Carlos are definitely different and so I tried to take little things from each. Roberto Carlos was an attacking style, Maldini was intelligence and tackling. So, those were the guys.
What’s the last thing you read?
Probably the paper.
Do you read the paper every morning?
Not every morning. Occasionally when I’m at a coffee shop I’ll pick up the paper or even just articles on the internet.
Do you have any go-to sites on the internet?
On my phone I’ll do the old swipe left and read the top stories on the news. More than likely it’s something about our new president.
Which of your teammates would you vote for president/prime minister?
I think Dave [Ousted] would be the most diplomatic so I’d probably go with him. I think AJ would be the most ruthless. He would be a good negotiator.
What’s the best advice someone has given to you?
The best advice I was every given was really simple. It hit home with me and was pretty effective. It was do the most you can, try the hardest you can and at the end of the day you’ll be satisfied with the outcome.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Hardworking.
What’s been your best moment with the Whitecaps so far?
Winning the Canadian Championship was massive. There’s also the first playoff game at home. Unfortunately we lost it but that build-up and anticipation, the warmup before the game and even the game in general was a special moment. I thought the energy in the stadium and throughout the city was electric and something I’ll never forget.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Liquorice. I tried to break the habit this past year trying to find other things to quench my craving that are healthy and I found frozen grapes. I’m not a huge fan of just regular grapes, but when you freeze them a little that’s my go-to at night.
What’s the last thing you searched on Google?
Concerts in Vancouver.
Do you know why you were named Jordan?
Yeah, my whole family’s names start with J. My parents, for example, are Jack and Jill. I think it was my aunt, my dad’s sister, who threw out Jordan and it stuck.
When was the last time you cried?
Oh man, having a daughter any show that I’ll ever watch now with a father daughter figure I’ll break down. It’s kind of sad. Just a few days ago we watched This Is Us and it crushed me.
What’s your least favourite thing about yourself? What is something you want to improve?
I think I’m disappointed in myself that I don’t know another language. A lot of guys on this team know multiple languages and I envy that. It’s something I want to improve this year in particular.
