Franklin On the Shelf

We told you earlier that we'd have some more news tonight, and here you go...

After undergoing an MRI earlier this morning, Sean Franklin has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his right knee. He will not require surgery, but is expected to miss the next 2-3 weeks.

The No. 4 pick in this year's SuperDraft, Franklin has played the full 90 minutes in each of the last 14 games after making his debut on April 3 against San Jose.

Here is an excerpt from an interview that we conducted with Sean earlier in the week...

You’ve been able to step into a starting role with the Galaxy, how have you seen yourself grow as a player from the beginning of the season to now?
I think that with each game I’m growing and learning more. I’m just trying to progress and keep learning and doing well on the field.

Ruud is constantly praising your efforts on the field. Are you getting some extra ribbing from the other players for becoming what seems to be one of the coach’s favorites?
No, they haven’t come up to me yet about Ruud saying things. I’m glad to know that he is saying good things, but I haven’t gotten stuff from the guys yet.

When did it finally hit you that you were playing professionally for the Galaxy?
Probably after the first week of training, getting to meet all the guys and coming out-that’s when it hit me.

What's a day in the life of Galaxy rookie like?
It’s nice. You meet and practice for about an hour and a half. You do your job, and then you get to home and relax. I can’t ask for anything else.

Best memory of this season so far...
Most of preseason was fun. That is when we got to know everybody. The Chivas game where we won 5-2—that was fun.

Are the veterans being nice you rookies, or are they giving you guys a hard time?
They are being nice. We usually just sit back and let them go first. They really aren’t telling us what to do. We have help on road trips. We help the equipment managers bring bags and balls out. Just normal rookie duties.

You’re on a team players with a lot of experience, either it be with National Teams, over in Europe or here in MLS. Who do you go for advice?
I talk to Pete a little bit. David helps me a lot. He tells me everyday things I need to work on to become a better player.

Have any of the veteran MLS players told you stories from when they first started and how lucky you are to be playing at the HDC?
You hear Cobi saying stuff since he’s been here since the Galaxy started. He’s always saying to take advantage and to enjoy it while we can.

As a defender, who has been the toughest opponent to shut down?
The toughest person to shut down was probably Emilio from D.C. He’s a good player.

Five items you couldn't live without -
My bed, phone, TV, family and my girlfriend.

Any rituals or superstitions before game time?
I always get my haircut the day before. I like to get my car washed the day of the game, and I also make sure I have my music, so I’m ready for my drive down to the game.

What does the future have in store for Sean Franklin?
Hopefully, I continue to play well and stay on the field. I hope to make the team for Olympics that are coming up, and eventually in the next couple years get to the full team.

What is on your iPod these days?
A little bit of everything. I have a little bit of N.E.R.D. I have Common. I have everything.

Favorite place to eat in LA?
I like, as bad as it sounds, Panda Express, and Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles—I don’t mind going their every once in a while.

Funniest member of the Galaxy?
Pete’s pretty funny. Ante’s pretty funny also, and Brandon McDonald.

There is a SuperClasico game this Thursday. Is there any trash talking in the halls when you guys see the Chivas players?
There isn’t a lot of trashing talking. It’s all good and fun. We’re all from the same place, but on the field that is a different story. It’s about whose the better team and I think we are.