The Backdraft contributors resumed their weekly attempt to get inside the heads of the Chicago Fire by putting together some questions for Gonzalo Segares. Most fans love Sega for his hard-nosed defensive play, but his usually stoic demeanor keeps many from knowing what's really on his mind. The defender certainly took our questions in stride, discussing his native Costa Rica, this year's defense, and of course, hot dogs.

Backdraft: Obviously a lot of fans come out to meet the team (Blanco) while on the road, have you had any experience with fellow Costa Ricans coming out to support you when playing away from Chicago?

Segares: Very random, usually the people that come to games that are Costa Ricans are friends that are visiting or that we are on the road and they come to the game. There's one guy in Salt Lake that comes with a Costa Rica flag, and I know he comes to see Andy and me. But other than that, the only time I saw Costa Rican flags was when Wanchope played here and some Costa Ricans came to see him and support him.

Backdraft: The fans here in Chicago love you, and many feel that you are underrated for your contributions on the field, but who do you feel has the most dedicated on-field, everyday commitment that might not be so widely recognized?

Segares: Well that is a hard question, because I think most of the guys work pretty hard not just to get a starting position but also to keep the starting
position. I think that the one with a lot of commitment, and you dont hear
about on the newspapers or websites, has to be Logan. He is a guy that gives
110% all the time. He is a warrior and a team player.

Backdraft: What is your proudest achievement (personally or professionally)?

 

Segares: I think my proudest achievement first was when I became a professional soccer player and then when I put on the national team jersey.

Backdraft: What characteristics are most important for a center back to succeed on the Fire / or in MLS? Ideally, what do you want in a teammate who is covering your back on defense?

Segares: Got to be physical. Doesn't need to be flash, but a guy with good speed. Someone that is not just athletic, but also has brains. Someone that can read the game, that is well organized with good positioning, and that I know is going to leave it all on the field. Most important is someone I can trust.

Backdraft: To what do you attribute the Fire's excellent defensive record thus far?

Segares: I think we are working really hard at making it hard for teams to create chances. We are really compact, not leaving a lot of holes on which teams can take advantage. I think we all in the back are comitted to one another and are comitted to not let anything get in the back of the net.

Backdraft:Who do you think the breakout rookie of the year will be?

Segares: There should not be one. I havent seen any rookie that has been anything special.

Backdraft: Although you came up through Saprissa's youth system, you elected to accept a scholarship to Virginia Commonwealth Univ. rather than attempt to turn professional in Costa Rica. What motivated the decision?

Segares: Well my decision was made basically because Saprissa at that time was in bankruptcy so I knew that the future there wasnt too clear. Then after that, I had the chance of the scholarship, and I took it .

Backdraft: Have you ever been to the Costa Rican restaurant Irazu on Milwuakee and Western? If so, how fantastic are the steak sandwiches? If not, you should.

Segares: I have been there. I used to go really often, but now not that much. I never tried the sandwiches. I had the casado. That is rice,beans, and plantains salad, with pork, chicken, or steak. Also something I really like that you should try if you havent is the horchata which is the rice drink.

Backdraft: We've been hearing a lot from our lady friends that Sega is the hottest guy on the team. Who do you think is the most handsome and who is the biggest lady's man on the team?

Segares: Well I think your lady friends might be blind( just kidding). I think I'm the most handsome one of course. The biggest ladies man without a doubt is Baky. He is the pimp of the team.

Backdraft: Do you follow the Champions League, and will you be watching the Champions League final this year?

Segares: I definitely watch the Champions League even though my team Barcelona is out of it. I will try to watch the final. I hope Chelsea wins. I'm not a big Man U fan.

Backdraft: How do you order your hot dogs?

Segares: Well, I order it with mayo, ketchup, pickles, onions and mustard.