Cosmos' Hagop Chirishian battles for a starting spot

Cosmos midfielder Hagop Chirishian plays a position that includes some of the team's best players. So breaking into the lineup certainly is not an easy task. When the Cosmos host the Indy Eleven at Shuart Stadium at 8 p.m. Saturday in their quest of a North American Soccer League playoff berth, Chirishian hopes he will be among the starting eleven or at least among the substitutes.

You have an interesting name. Where does that come from?

My parents are from Armenia. It's an Armenian name. It's very common to have that name because of my background . . . It doesn't translate into anything, but every person who has that same name their middle name is usually Jack. For some people it might be hard to pronounce my name, so I go by Jack. I don't mind that at all.

How tough is it to break into the lineup?

It's difficult. Everyone every day has to give 100 percent. We have a very talented group of guys. One mistake and you might either be starting or the next thing you know you might be on the bench. Every day you've got to be consistent. Our group of guys are good, they're very talented. So all we [can] do is give a hard decision for our coaches.

How much does pressure does it put on you in practice because so much is on the line?

There is a lot of pressure, but you can't overthink it. You just have to go out there and do what the coaches ask you to do and everything will fall into place for you.

When you are on the bench, how do you view the game?

Usually, first I will look as if I was in the game, what position I will be playing. I'll look at my opponent, try and figure out his weaknesses and what my teammates are doing, what he's doing well or what's getting past him. I'll analyze all that stuff. At the same time, you just have to have go out there and not overthink everything. Everything will fall into place if you keep everything simple.

How did you join the Cosmos?

In California I did a tryout, with a team. The Ventura County Fusion was hosting a lot of NASL and USL teams. Alecko Eskandarian was out there. He told me to come out to the tryouts in New York. I did another tryout in front of Gio . Then they offered me a contract.

When you were growing up was Alecko a favorite of yours?

It's funny. When he played with Chivas USA, there was Armenian Heritage Night. After the game he did pictures and autographs and I ended up taking a picture with him. He probably doesn't remember me. There has been only a handful of Armenians in MLS. Of course, he was one of them that I looked up to.