Columbus Crew S.C. midfielder Justin Meram (Shelby Township/University of Michigan) exchanged jerseys with Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler – who is a soccer fan – today before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at Comerica Park. Meram spoke to Detroit Free Press sports writer George Sipple about a number of topics, including what he thinks of the Detroit MLS expansion bid and the International Champions Cup match between AS Roma and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. at Comerica Park on July 19.

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On the possibility of Detroit landing an MLS expansion team: “I love it. Being from here, I really want it to happen: “For the state, you see the clubs – Vardar, Michigan Wolves, Nationals – all these clubs that so many kids are playing. You bring a franchise to Detroit, you’re going to see it being the new movement here in metro Detroit.

“It’d be unbelievable. I know how much it would affect my nieces and nephews and affect me going forward in my life. I pray. I hope it works out. Dan Gilbert, hopefully he gets approved and maybe I can make a phone call to the front office down in New York for MLS.”

On fans getting a chance to see AS Roma and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. at Comerica Park: “I know it’s going to be an exciting time for the kids to see two powerhouse teams from Europe competing here at Comerica. You see the growth of soccer really coming together and the country and Michigan – for these kids to come and see high-level players play right in their backyard is going to be very inspiring for them to keep pushing.”

On growing up in Michigan: “Born and raised in Shelby Township, Michigan. I went to University of Michigan the last two years of college. Played at Vardar, then played two years of junior college, then came back home to University of Michigan.

“Just one of those things. I was overlooked. I had talent, but they didn’t see I had the physicality to play Division I. My family moved to Arizona and it was one of those ‘You’re coming with us.’”

On his life changing after being scouted while playing soccer in a park in Arizona: “I played high school football and soccer. I was a very good kicker and that was the path I thought I was going to go. … That day at the park changed everything. They gave me an opportunity at Yavapai College. Went there, broke many records, won two national titles, national player of the year.

“From nothing in Michigan to a full ride at Michigan.”

On his career so far with the Columbus Crew: “Started off slow. Drafted in the first round, but never really got acclimated. It took a little bit of time, understanding the level and speed. Once I got going I haven’t looked back. My career has been great, started this season fantastically. … Keep trying to improve my craft and get better.”

On having eight goals this season, tying his single-season career high: “The goals are to win games and to be great as a team. You always set individual goals. You’re always trying to do better than what you have. I missed a good chance two days ago. Now I gotta find a way to get No.9.”

On the progress of former Michigan Bucks standout Lalas Abubakar, who also plays for the Columbus Crew: “Lalas had his first start on the Fourth of July actually. He was a beast. We had a shutout. Definitely proud of Lalas, a guy that’s been working extremely hard, bouncing from our USL team to our first team. We’re just all so happy for him that he got his chance and he took it.”







