Quality Time | Mathías Laborda, presented by GE Appliances

In this edition of 'Quality Time' presented by GE Appliances, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Mathías Laborda shares his thoughts on Major League Soccer, his favourite parts of Uruguayan culture, and his favourite moment of his career with the 'Caps so far.

I think they are two totally different competitions. Over here, all the fields are in good shape, compared to Uruguay there’s probably only five or six good fields. I also think the average age here is a lot younger so that forces the game to become much more dynamic, much quicker. I think that’s the main difference with Uruguayan football, that you play a lot quicker and the football is more dynamic. 

When you played in Uruguay, you only saw the footballing styles of Uruguay and other South American countries through playing in the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana. For you, to leave your home and come to another country, how has it been to experience a different style of football?

It’s been very good for me, for my career, because it’s helped me improve a lot as a player and helped me open my eyes. I’m trying to not be content with where I am and trying to get better day-by-day. It’s a type of football that’s more dynamic and all teams play well and play fast. So you have to grow and be better every day.

What would you say are the main differences between Major League Soccer and the Uruguayan Primera División?

I think they are two totally different competitions. Over here, all the fields are in good shape, compared to Uruguay there’s probably only five or six good fields. I also think the average age here is a lot younger so that forces the game to become much more dynamic, much quicker. I think that’s the main difference with Uruguayan football, that you play a lot quicker and the football is more dynamic.

What is your favourite part of Uruguayan culture?

I think I would have to say everything! But I think what characterizes as Uruguayans is the quality we have of being human, we’re very friendly with people we may not know, for example. Or when someone from outside Uruguay comes to our country or we move out of Uruguay, we’re very welcoming. And then after that comes the food, the maté, the Dulce de Leche, and our asados (barbeques). And of course, our ‘Fuerza Charrúa’.

Describe what it’s like to play at BC Place.

The atmosphere that gets formed at BC Place is very beautiful, playing with our people in the stands. It’s beautiful to see how they follow us, their passion for us to win, and how much they push us in games.

Who’s been your best mentor during your career?

I’ve had very good coaches during my career, I think Álvaro Gutiérrez was someone very important for me. He gave me my debut, he made me a professional footballer at Nacional, which is something I still can’t believe, it’s incredible. But in reality, all the coaches I had at Nacional from the youth to the first team have left me with plenty of good teachings. All of them have given their little grain of sand to each professional who’s come through the club.

What’s your favourite moment of your career with the ‘Caps so far?

I think when we won the Canadian Championship this year, even though I wasn’t part of the matchday roster on the pitch, the whole atmosphere that was generated and the effect of winning a cup I think has been the best moment so far.

Describe what it’s like to sing ‘Stand By Me’ with the fans after wins at BC Place.

It’s very beautiful, it’s a beautiful gesture that helps form the relationship with the fans, we create an even greater bond every time we win and we get the chance to sing the song. I think it’s really beautiful. It was bit difficult for me to learn at first, I had heard it before but I didn’t know how to sing it and you don’t hear it much in Uruguay but it does create that nice ambiance after a win to celebrate together with the fans.

Who’s one celebrity you’d most like to meet?

I think to be able to meet Messi, now that we’re in the same league. Hopefully we get to cross paths at some point. 

What’s your favourite genre of music?

I’m very calm, I listen mostly to Cumbia, Uruguayan Cumbia, it’s a type of Cumbia that’s more old if you want to say it like that. 

Who’s your favourite music artist?

Chacho Ramos. 

What’s your favourite movie?

No, I don’t really have one. Nowadays, I’m starting to get more into movies. When I was younger, I watched more cartoons and then I drifted away from watching movies. Since being with my girlfriend, little by little, I’ve grown more of an interest in watching movies but don’t have a solid favourite yet.

What’s you favourite TV show?

Peaky Blinders, Breaking Bad, and Vikings, it would be one of those three.

What is one thing outside of football you are really interested in?

I try to learn as much as possible about anything but I’m really interested in finance.

What do you love most about Vancouver?

Well, the weather but only in the summer. The people are very nice and the green spots that the city has. To be a city that has so much people, it has a lot of green around it and for me and my girlfriend it helps a lot because we have two dogs so it allows us to go out with them to different places and explore.

Is there a favourite spot you have in the city? Could be a restaurant, park, shop or place.

I don’t have a favourite place yet, but I’ve found there’s a lot of beautiful places, including the coast facing Vancouver Island, that part is very beautiful. My girlfriend and I have walked plenty of times around there with the dogs.

What is one thing you haven’t done yet in Vancouver but want to do soon?

To go on the False Creek aquabus, we haven’t done that yet.

How’s it been having your girlfriend here in Vancouver with you and supporting you in your career?

She is the most important for me. She left a lot of things in Uruguay to accompany me in this dream that I have to keep growing in football, so she’s a fundamental pillar and she is my family. We’re here together and thanks to her, I can also be calm and show all my abilities on the pitch knowing that when I get home, I have her there with me and I have that support.

What is your favourite Uruguayan food?

Ah that’s tough, I’d probably say La Milanesa.