Bright, young centre back Derek Cornelius is in his second season in Vancouver after traversing through Germany and Europe.
This week, we learn more about the Canadian international from Ajax, Ontario.
- Getting to know: Georges Mukumbilwa
Who was your favourite soccer player growing up?
Ronaldinho.
If you weren’t a soccer player what would you be?
An actor.
What’s your favourite spot in Vancouver to hangout?
I like going to English Bay, going for walks down there. English Bay or towards Granville Island.
What's your favourite TV show?
The Simpsons.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love food. All kinds of food.
Any nicknames you’ve had?
Corns, DC, D. I think Jake [Nerwinski] came up with Corndog.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to go through in your career or life?
Being overseas and not knowing the language, not knowing the country, not knowing the culture. Being away from family and friends. Pretty much just being in a completely different world where you’re not familiar with anything and then you still have to play well on the field.
What’s your fondest memory?
Pretty recent but I’d say the best game I’ve played in was the 2-0 win at BMO (Field) against the United States. The stadium, the fans, the importance of the game, the performance from the guys out there. It was just an unbelievable night.
What song would you sing at Karaoke?
Three Little Birds by Bob Marley.
Who do you look up to?
My father. His upbringing wasn’t typical. He had a single mom, so he was the man of the household when he was young. He didn’t really have a father figure to look towards. Most of the time when you’re becoming a father you think “Okay, how did my father raise me?” But he didn’t have that. So the job he’s done with me and my sister, raising us and teaching us has been unbelievable in my opinion.
