Perhaps you know Carlos Llamosa as an assistant coach for the Portland Timbers, or maybe you knew of him as a U.S. international who appeared at the 2002 World Cup. Less known, though, are Llamosa's roots in the game: how he came into the sport; his childhood inspirations; why he was able to develop into an international-level talent.

On the latest of our Catching Up With interviews, we talk to the Timbers assistant about how his love for the game developed and when, if ever, he sees himself handing up his boots.