TAYLOR MCDANIEL | Reporter

Name: Fernando Cordero

Nickname: Fer

Age: 22

Birthplace: Chile

Year: Senior

Major: Business administration and finance

Sport: Soccer

Q: When did you start playing soccer?

A: “I started playing soccer when I was 7 or 8 years old.”

Q: How did you get started in soccer?

A: “Playing at school with my friends and in a local club. My father also played soccer, so I played with him since I can remember.”

Q: Why did you choose to play for Lindenwood?

A: “I have a friend from my country who studied here at Lindenwood. He told me that it was a very good university with a great campus and had a very good and competitive soccer team.”

Q: What is your biggest strength in soccer?

A: “I think I have good control of the ball, good passing and play making.”

Q: What is your most embarrassing moment?

A: “The goal was almost empty; and I did not score.”

Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment in your sport?

A: “In 2013, with my high school team, we won a tournament and we went to France to play a Scholar World Cup. We went representing Chile, and we played against France, Slovakia, Denmark, Luxemburg and Czech Republic. We finished 12 out of 24 countries.”

Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

A: “I like to watch movies and be with my family, friends and girlfriend. Also, I like to have some time to just do nothing.”

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

A: “Jorge Valdivia and Lionel Messi.”

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

A: “Colo-Colo, a Chilean soccer team.”

Q: What are three things you could not live without?

A: “Soccer, family and friends.”

Q: If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be?

A: “Arturo Vidal, Michael Jackson and Roger Federer.”

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: “I don’t really have one, but I think this one is very good: ‘Start unknown. Finish unforgettable.’”

Q: Do you have any advice for young athletes?

A: “Do not give up if things do not go as expected. Success is not easy, you need to give your 100 percent every time.”