2006 Year End Survey | Ryan Maxfield

You didn't think I'd make it through this survey without fitting soccer into it somewhere, did you?

Ryan Maxfield grew up in Rutland, played soccer for UVM, got a job after college with the New England Revolution and finally landed as the equipment manager for US National Soccer Team. That meant he spent the last few years trotting around the globe with the team and spending this past June in Germany as the team competed in the World Cup.

Plus, he was the reason I was able to go to the World Cup which was easily the highlight of the year for me.

The picture above was taken backstage at a Tool concert in Hamburg, Germany last June. Tool are soccer fans and invited Maxfield (gray shirt), Kasey Keller (tan hat) and Marcus Hanneman (far left) from the US Team to their concert during the US training camp in Hamburg. Pretty cool experience.

Well, while Maxfield waits to learn who his new boss will be, he took some time to send over his favorites of the year.

1) What was your favorite song of 2006?

“The Pot” by Tool or “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley



2) What was your favorite album of 2006?

10,000 Days by Tool

My judgment was not swayed by meeting the band Tool in 2006. I have been a fan of Tool for many years and after the release of 10,000 Days I became reacquainted with all of the bands music. It is always in my playlists somewhere, somehow mixed in with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Bob Mould, and Elliott Smith.

3) What was your favorite concert of 2006?

Tool in Hamburg, Germany or Tool in Los Angeles, CA

4) What was your favorite thing about 2006?

Obviously being a part of the 2006 U.S. World Cup Team and the World Cup itself, but more interestingly getting to meet and enjoy people throughout the world; especially the time spent with players such as Taylor Twellman, Matt Reis, Landon Donovan, Brian Ching, and Pablo Mastroeni (just to name drop a few). Most of all the little family that builds while on the road with the staff and players. I can look back on this year and the lead up to it and remember what a great time we all had.

5) What are your best wishes for 2007?

My best wishes would have to go out to the Myernick Family. Glenn “Mooch” Myernick passed away at the age of 51. He was an integral part of U.S. Soccer and the U.S. World Cup Team staff. He was always the person in the middle keeping us together and telling jokes to lighten the mood. He was always the one to say to the staff, “Lets meet in the bar for a drink.” after a tough day. He kept his whole life, and through osmosis our lives, in perspective. My best wishes go out to his wife Nancy, his daughter Kelly, and his son Travis.

Tool | The Pot | Buy