[MLS] Sainey Nyassi's quick pace has added a new dimension the New England Revolution's attack. The 19-year-old Gambian midfielder has made 17 appearances (15 starts) for the Revs in 2008. Get to know Nyassi in this profile by Soccer America's Bryan Alvarez that covers on- and off-field experiences.


SAINEY NYASSI
(New England Revolution)

POSITION: Midfielder

AGE: 19

HOMETOWN: Bwiam, Gambia

LAST CLUB: Ports Authority FC (Gambia)

INTERNATIONAL: U-17, U-20

STARTING OUT: I started playing soccer because it was my favorite. My dad was a soccer player, too.

EARLY SOCCER MEMORY: My favorite soccer memory was playing against Brazil in the U-17 World Cup. We won, 3-1.

FIRST CLEATS: I had a pair of Nikes.

CURRENT CLEATS: Adidas Predators.

OTHER SPORTS: I like volleyball and basketball.

FAVORITE TEAM: Arsenal.

FAVORITE PLAYER: Thierry Henry.

FAVORITE MOVIES: "Soul Plane."

FAVORITE ACTOR: Denzel Washington.

FAVORITE ACTRESS: Angelina Jolie.

LIVING SITUATION: Right now, I live with a host family. Next year, I hope to move into my own apartment.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Hopefully, it will be [my teammate] Kheli Dube. He's done a good job this year.

MLS EXPERIENCE: It's a good league. It's a big improvement for me. It's definitely another level.

MOST INFLUENTIAL COACH: My U-17 coach, Osam Duodu. He's Ghanaian.

MEMORABLE COACHING ADVICE (from youth coach): In high school, a coach told me that you could make a lot of money in soccer. He told me that if you work hard, you could make it your future.

HOBBIES: I like going to the movies, shopping and the beach.

MUSIC: African music, R&B, Pop.

READING: I like reading magazines.

VACATION: Miami.

FAMOUS PEOPLE YOU'D INVITE TO DINNER: I can only think of one. Thierry Henry.