Tommy Meyer is American defender who won the MLS Cup with the Los Angeles Galaxy in both 2012 and 2014. Los Angeles Galaxy selected Meyer in the first round (No. 19 overall) of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, and the St. Louis native made 57 appearances for the Galaxy in all competitions after debuting in LA’s 2012 season opener against Real Salt Lake. After four seasons with LA, in January of 2016 he signed with the Kansas City Swope Park Rangers of the United Soccer League, where he currently plays.
Before fame he played college soccer at Indiana University from 2008 to 2011. During his time at Indiana, Meyer was named as a 2011 All-Big Ten Conference First Team and was second in the Big Ten Conference with 7 assists.
Get To Know Me
Tell us about your sport and how you got into it.
I currently play professional soccer in kansas city for the swope park rangers, and before i got here i spent four years in los angeles playing for the galaxy. I started playing soccer around 4 years of age mainly because all of my uncles and older cousin played either in college or professionally. I thought i’d follow in their footsteps and hope for the best!
What does training look like for you? What does your competitive season involve?
We train about 6 days a week and usually have one or two games a week. Our sessions are in the mornings and include work out on the field as well as in the gym (agility and strength training). Our preseason starts in late january and then our season starts in march and runs till late october.
What motivated you to pursue a healthy diet?
I started pursuing a healthy diet to try and optimize my performance on the field and also feel better off the field. College really doesn’t prepare you for a healthy lifestyle so it takes some self discipline to break those habits.
How does protein play an important role in your diet?
I usually have protein after my training sessions. I make a smoothie within about 30 minutes of training so i can start refueling and help my body recover. It also helps knowing i’m putting the best plant based protein in my body to optimize that recovery and build some muscle.
How do you like to start each day?
The start of my day is pretty simple. I wake up and have to get my body ready for training so hydration and putting some healthy carbs and antioxidants in my body are key. I usually drink a couple bottles of water and have some homemade granola with blueberries.
How do you stay motivated and on track, in terms of training and eating healthy?
I’ve found that i tend to have more energy when i maintain my routine and healthy lifestyle so that alone usually keeps me on track. I’ve also been able to come up with some good recipes so it’s easy when you enjoy what you’re eating as well.
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure food?
Guilty pleasure…Definitely a well made ice cream cookie sandwich!
