In a Goal.com exclusive, the young Sporting KC forward, who has two caps and a goal for the USMNT, talks about his improvement, his MLS future and possibly playing in the Gold Cup

Sporting Kansas City hasn’t gotten off to the best start this season but one bright spot has been the stellar play of second-year forward Teal Bunbury.The 6-foot, 2-inch striker has continued his momentum from last season where he showed his potential by scoring five goals in MLS and scoring a goal in his second appearance for United States Men’s National Team. This season, Bunbury, who hails from Ontario, Canada, has started strongly, scoring three goals in only four appearances. His unique physical style of play has drawn praise from opposing coaches who believe the 21-year-old would be an ideal target man striker for the United States in the future.In an exclusive interview with Goal.com, Bunbury discussed his stellar start to the season, Sporting KC’s recent struggles, his MLS future and possibly playing in the Gold Cup.I would say a lot of things. Last year I was just adjusting to the league. I had a chance to prepare during the offseason. I think for the most part, my mentality changed. I know the league better and I know my teammates better. I think I understand the standards [of the game] better. I think a big part of that comes as a credit to my teammates.As for a number, I’ve been asked that a few times. I think my number is 15. Not saying that I can’t go above that but I think that’s a good number. I know that I’m capable of that with the teammates that I have and what my job is as a striker is.I feel like a little bit of it has to do with playing so many games on the road. It takes a toll on our bodies a little so it’s only natural. I think we just have to get more unified as a team. I think we need to get back on the same page. I think we need to play the full 90 minutes and not give up in the closing minutes of games. However, it is still early on in the season and we’ve had some red card suspensions and injuries. We still have time to improve on things.I think the biggest thing is once we get the lead, I think our attitude has to change. I feel like we need to play more like a team and dig deep. I feel like when we get ahead, we let it down a little bit. I think we need to have the attitude of "we have the lead, let’s finish this.” Get a control of the ball and keep it, I guess.I just took a tour of it not so long ago and it is an amazing stadium. To see how its progressed from the beginning till now, it’s crazy. A lot of praise and thanks has to go to the organizers and the construction teams for getting it done. Usually a process like this could take a couple of years but they did it in half of that. It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere especially with all of the new technology that they are using. Everyone is going to be excited, the players, the fans and the whole community.I don’t think it makes it more or less appealing. I’m really loving playing in MLS. I love the fact that MLS is growing. Teams are getting better and investing in stadiums. The whole atmosphere is getting better and I really feel like the culture is growing here in the States.Whatever opportunities I get, I’m going to keep on performing and showcase what I can do. It’s up to the United States Men’s Team staff. If they feel like I am a good pick then they’ll make that choice. All I can do is go out there and play hard every day.



Aerial Presence | Bunbury's athleticism makes him a force in the air

If I do make the team and had to play against Canada, I would take it as another game to be honest. I try to help my team no matter what game we play in.It’s hard to tell right now because the World Cup is three years away from now. Obviously, there are a lot of talented young strikers coming out now. A lot of young talent that people are beginning to notice. I think it’s great for the national team that it has all of these different options with different strengths and it will help the team in the future.For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page