Mike Slivinski
ON THE RECORD · 10 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.