Mike Slivinski
ON THE RECORD · 10 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“It’s just a massive honor. I am thrilled, nervous and a little speechless, honestly.”
Mike Slivinski · said 1991-09-14 · reported 2026-09-26
Slivinski expressed his emotions to a local newspaper after his surprise start in the USMNT friendly against Jamaica.
“A buddy of mine sent me an article about [Cavan’s call-up], and it said he’d be the second-youngest player in US history,”
Mike Slivinski · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Mike Slivinski reacted to an article claiming Cavan Sullivan would be the second-youngest US player in history, which overlooked his own 1991 debut.
“This experience is indescribable,”
Mike Slivinski · said 1991-09-14 · reported 2026-09-26
Slivinski spoke to a local newspaper after making his USMNT debut in a friendly against Jamaica on 14 September 1991.
“Those Italy players from that U-17 World Cup left and went back to training with Fiorentina,”
Mike Slivinski · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Slivinski contrasted the post-tournament routines of Italy's U-17 players with his own after the 1991 U-17 World Cup.
“Thinking maybe they’d let me keep it. But that shows you how different a time it was – [US Soccer] probably didn’t have the money to do that.”
Mike Slivinski · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Slivinski reflected on how different the era was, noting US Soccer likely lacked the budget to let players keep jerseys.
“What am I, a fucking ghost? I don’t think it was a dream, I’m pretty sure I didn’t imagine the one game I played.”
Mike Slivinski · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Slivinski joked about being forgotten when Sullivan's call-up was described as making him the second-youngest US player.
“I left that tournament and went right back to training with Francis Howell North [high school].”
Mike Slivinski · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Slivinski returned to training with his high school team after impressing at the 1991 U-17 World Cup in Italy.
“But I also didn’t try hard enough, I don’t think. Mentally, I just wasn’t there.”
Mike Slivinski · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Slivinski admitted he lacked the mental commitment to sustain his national team career despite winning NCAA and MLS championships.
“I kept my jersey on after the match, I wore it back to the hotel soaking wet,”
Mike Slivinski · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Slivinski recalled wearing his jersey back to the hotel after his lone USMNT appearance, hoping to keep it.
“Injuries, I guess, did me in,”
Mike Slivinski · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Slivinski attributed the end of his national team ambitions to injuries.