by Andrea Canales

Denmark-based Heath Pearce is coming to the end of his contract this summer with his club team, Nordsjaelland. Though he was the promising unknown for the left back spot last year, and contributed a pin-point assist in a friendly against Denmark this year, Pearce faces stiff competition in his quest to become a U.S. national team regular. With his future for club and country in flux, the defender answered some questions for Soccer365’s Andrea Canales.

In battling for the left back spot on the national team, do you feel you’re at a disadvantage due to the current coach’s unfamiliarity with you?
There are two ways to look at that. The first way is that it can be a disadvantage in the beginning if he chooses to go with someone he is familiar. The second way to go about it is to think that him not knowing me only gives me more of an opportunity to impress from a fresh start without any prior judgments. I personally try to take the positive out of every situation and when I am with the national team, not over-analyze each situation and just roll with the punches and do my best.

What, if any, was the explanation given to you for not keeping you on the squad for the U.S. game versus Mexico?
The explanation I was given was that because I was a Euro-based player with a club team already in training they wanted both Danny (Califf) and I to get back to our clubs and join them again. Also, that for the Mexico game they were going to bring in some of the other Euro guys to try to get a look at everyone in the pool.

What are the current options for your club future?
Well right now, I am in the process of figuring out who is the best agent to go with. I feel this next step in my career is very crucial for my development so I am being patient with agent selections as well as club selections. I am open doors to everywhere at this point. I try not to focus on a particular league that is best for me because I feel that there are certain clubs in each league that could suit my style of play and where I could have a chance to immediately help the team and more importantly develop as a player.

Would you consider a move to Major League Soccer?
The US is where I’m from. I will always bleed red/white/blue so I would never close a door to the MLS. I am considering all the possibilities at this point. If you look at a player like Cory Gibbs, he came back to the MLS, established himself with the national team, did well, then took off again for a bigger club in Europe. It proved the right move for him in the end. So yeah, I am open to all possibilities.

Is a move to another European league a current option? Which would you prefer and why?
I have not seen anything on paper yet concerning new options abroad. I know of some interest but I have not had any offers since I have been able to sign a pre contract. Like anyone with ambition, my goal is to play in Spain or in the Premiership, but from a more realistic standpoint I see my next move going to Germany or Holland. I also like the big clubs in Portugal and Belgium. The French league could be interesting at certain clubs. I think there are many possible suitors, I just hope that one takes a liking in me enough to offer a deal.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a pro career in the Scandinavian league?

For the complete Heath Pearce interview CLICK HERE