New York Red Bulls II midfielder Chris Lema has recorded five goals and four assists this season, which included a four-goal performance against Atlanta United 2. Lema is third all-time in minutes and second all-time in games started for the club.
Learn more about Chris Lema below:
Q. What has been the best moment of your soccer career so far?
LEMA: The best moment of my soccer career so far has been scoring my first professional goal against Atlanta United 2 last year.
Q. How did it feel to score 4 goals in one match?
LEMA: It felt amazing to say the least. I never imagined scoring a hat trick, let alone 4 goals.
Q. What is your favorite pre-game music?
LEMA: My favorite pregame music has to be latin trap. I like Ozuna, Bad Bunny, and Anuel AA. They can get me pumped up for a game no matter what. I also listen to a decent amount of regular trap music.
Q. If you had to pick another position than the one you play, which one would you pick?
LEMA I would have loved to be a striker whether it be the traditional “9” or the false “9”. I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to play higher up on the field.
Q. What do you like to do when you’re not training or playing soccer?
LEMA: When I’m not playing soccer, I like to spend time with my family and friends, watch soccer games, and explore new places near my house.
Q. Was there a player that you grew up admiring when you were younger?
LEMA: When I was younger, I loved watching Zinedine Zidane and Guti play, but as I got older, I enjoyed learning from Toni Kroos’ style of play.
Q. Who is your favorite club to support?
LEMA: Given that I have three nationalities, I support three different clubs from three different countries. First off, at the top of my list are the New York Red Bulls, who I have been supporting since before I even joined the academy at 14 years old. From Mexico I support Chivas de Guadalajara and from Spain I support Real Madrid.
Q. What has been the biggest difference between your first year and your second?
LEMA: The biggest difference between my first and second year has to be the nerves and responsibility. Being that I have a year of experience under my belt, I don’t get as nervous as I used to get, but I also carry more responsibility since I am one of the few players that have been a part of the team since last year.
Q. What is your favorite movie of all-time?
LEMA: My favorite movie of all-time is Cinderella Man. The movie motivates me to keep pushing no matter the situation that I find myself in. Also, it helps that the Bulldog of Bergen, James J. Braddock, came from the same part of New Jersey as me.
Q: If there was a 3v3 tournament, who would be your two picks for your team from the club?
LEMA: My two picks would have to be Evan Louro and Jared Stroud. Evan will be our goal scorer while, Jared and I will lock it down everywhere else.
New York Red Bulls II return home to face Charlotte Independence on Friday, September 13 with kick-off set for 7 p.m. ET. For tickets, visit www.newyorkredbulls.com/2/tickets or call 1.877.727.7585.
