On this week’s edition of We Are TFC II, we sit down with defender Mitchell Taintor.
You were picked in the 3rd round of the SuperDraft by Toronto FC, do you have a draft day story?
Taintor: My mom kept asking me what was going on. I had to tell her I had no idea. So, going in I didn’t really know. My mom and I were just watching the draft at the kitchen counter and my name popped up and she jumped up screaming. It startled me. Then I got a call from Tim [Bezbatchenko] introducing himself. Two days later I was on my way to Toronto.
What was your first reaction when you heard Toronto?
Taintor: I was shocked, but I was also excited. I didn’t really think about me going to Toronto. I didn’t have the slightest inclination I would go there. All the mock drafts had me New York or Columbus. So I was a little shocked but super excited to get the opportunity.
What was the honour of being named Captain like?
Taintor: It’s really nice to have the trust of the coaching staff and the players. It is a big responsibility obviously. No matter what team, but especially in the professional ranks. I must set a good example for the younger guys. It’s something I take seriously and I’m proud of.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Ever captained a side before this?
Taintor: Every team I’ve been on I have been a captain.
How was your experience at Rutgers University?
Taintor: I loved it. It was a great experience. It was something I needed. I needed to grow up, get out of my parents’ house and high school. Experience being on my own and managing my life.
You spent time with the Revolution Academy, how did that help in your development?
Taintor: It was a vital part of me growing up and me growing as a player. They used to have a reserve league back then. I got called up for a few matches and got exposed to the first team and the staff. It was important to get exposed to that level. It was something I wanted to do when I was little, play professionally. Playing in a professional academy really helped me realize how to make it happen.
Do you have a coach/mentor that has impacted your soccer career?
Taintor: My Papa. He was always around watching soccer with me, coaching me, taking me to the fields to do extra work. Countless hours of driving to practices/games and teaching me about the game. His first soccer story with me was when I was two and I had just started walking. He was in the yard with me and he rolled me a ball and I one touched it back to him. He is the reason why am I where I am right now.
What has been your favourite moment in your soccer career thus far?
Taintor: Scoring my first goal against Orlando City
At what moment did you know you could go pro?
Taintor: When I started playing. 9 years old.
Taking a quick look at your phone, which photo in it means the most to you?
Taintor: The last picture I took with my Papa before he passed away.
A player you like to model your game after?
Taintor: Sergio Ramos, we’re both unorthodox centre backs. Both can play good football and connect passes and play in the midfield.
If you weren’t playing soccer, what would you want to do?
Taintor: I’d probably be a businessman.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Taintor: Watch Netflix, read, banter with the boys.
Current show you’re binge watching?
Taintor: I have been watching Suits. I love that show. I’m a big Sons of Anarchy guy, starting to watch Arrested Development. I’m kind of all over the board right now.
Do you have a favourite movie?
Taintor: The Wolf of Wall Street
Music Artist?
Taintor: Country, rock, alternative. No one specific.
How have you found the adjustment to life in Toronto/Canada?
Taintor; It’s not as different as people think. The money is a little funny looking. It took a little while to get adjusted to everything.
Favourite thing about the City?
Taintor: There is always something going on. I love heading into the city to chill. I like walking down near the Distillery District. Always a lot of nice places to eat and lots of good views.
What do you miss the most about home?
Taintor: Living on the coast. I love going to the beach.
Ever tried the beaches here?
Taintor: They just aren’t the same.
