Best SDFC Podcasts (2025)

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The Story of Year One — Tom Penn on Identity, Moments & the Innocent Rise of SDFC 40:03

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18d ago40:03

40:03

For the final time in Year One, Behind the Flow returns to reflect on a season nobody expected and a connection nobody could have predicted. San Diego FC’s inaugural campaign is now complete. We’re joined in this episode by CEO Tom Penn, who reflects on the “20-month sprint” and, in his words, the “innocent rise” of SDFC. A year that began with que…

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Wrapping up San Diego FC's first season with Mikey Varas and Tyler Heaps 1:10:10

15d ago1:10:10

1:10:10

In the final episode of the 2025 season, Head Coach Mikey Varas and Sporting Director Tyler Heaps join Kaila, Marvell, and Sal to reflect on SDFC's inaugural season. They share heartfelt anecdotes, statistics, record-breaking performances, and future plans for the upcoming seasons.By San Diego FC

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Rewinding the Journey — Tyler Heaps, Foundations & the Making of San Diego FC | Re-Air 40:12

25d ago40:12

40:12

San Diego FC’s inaugural season has reached its conclusion. A 3–1 loss to Vancouver in the Western Conference Final brought a tough end to an extraordinary Year One — a season where SDFC finished as the No. 1 seed, set an expansion points record, and came within one step of MLS Cup. Pride, even in heartbreak. With emotions still fresh, Adrian Garcí…

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Western Final Preview — Ian Joy on San Diego’s Rise, Rookie Brilliance & the Müller Test 32:58

1M ago32:58

32:58

San Diego FC are heading to the Western Conference Final — in their inaugural MLS season. A tense 1–0 win over Minnesota United, sealed by Anders Dreyer’s strike and Ian Pilcher’s extraordinary goal-line clearance, has pushed this expansion side into rare territory. Another sellout. Another statement night. Adrian García-Márquez hosts alongside Kat…

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Semi-Final Special — Tyler Heaps on Year One, Identity & Building the Club 34:19

1M ago34:19

34:19

It’s Semi-Final week and Sporting Director Tyler Heaps joins us to reflect on his first season building San Diego FC from the ground up. Darren Smith caught up with him at the training ground for a candid look at recruitment, identity, lessons learned, and the foundations for Year Two. And yes — we had to ask which current SDFC player most mirrors …

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Back Where It All Started – Preseason Revisited | Re-Air 55:14

2M ago55:14

55:14

Fresh from a statement 4-0 win over the Portland Timbers, San Diego FC has booked its place in the Western Conference semifinals — and the city is buzzing. With an international break giving us a brief pause in the action, Behind the Flow rewinds to where it all began: the final chapter of our behind-the-scenes documentary series, Episode 10: Prese…

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Win, or Go Home – Luchi Gonzalez on Mikey Varas, Playoff Mindset & Game 3 35:12

2M ago35:12

35:12

Saturday night in Portland was a rollercoaster. San Diego FC led twice through Amahl Pellegrino and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano — only to be pegged back in stoppage time before falling on penalties. Now, with the series level, it all comes down to one last game — a sold-out decider at Snapdragon Stadium this Sunday night. Adrian García-Márquez is joine…

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Inside the Stands — Riptides, Frontera SD, and a Playoff Night to Remember 33:07

2M ago33:07

33:07

San Diego FC’s first-ever MLS playoff night was one to remember. In front of 32,500 fans at Snapdragon Stadium, Onni Valakari made history with the club’s first playoff goal before Anders Dreyer doubled the lead in a 2–1 win over Portland — a night that showed just how far this club and city have come. With Adrian García-Márquez on World Series dut…

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From the Field to the Classroom – How Right to Dream Is Shaping the Future in San Diego 41:40

2M ago41:40

41:40

Right to Dream has built a global reputation for developing not just footballers, but leaders — from its academies in Ghana, Denmark, and Egypt to its newest home in the United States. Fresh from a 4–0 win away to Portland that sealed top spot in the West, Behind the Flow shifts focus from the players making headlines to the ones who could follow i…

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Tyler Heaps and MLS analyst Dax McCarty on SDFC's record-breaking inaugural season 56:04

2M ago56:04

56:04

Former MLS midfielder and current MLS analyst for Apple TV Dax McCarty joins his former teammates to share his thoughts on San Diego FC's inaugural season and provides his playoff predictions with Sal, Marvell, and Kaila. Sporting Director Tyler Heaps reflects on the Club's journey to the number one seed in the Western Conference while diving into …

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The Devil’s in the Data – SDFC on the Inside: Turning Numbers into Wins 30:22

2M ago30:22

30:22

With Decision Day and the playoffs approaching, Behind the Flow takes a brief pause from the action on the field to explore how San Diego FC are using data to empower decisions — turning raw numbers into real-world results, with people at the heart of it all. Adrian García-Márquez is joined by ESPN’s Katia Castorena and San Diego Sports 760’s Darre…

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Mikey Varas reflects on our inaugural regular season, Manny Machado shares what he thinks makes SDFC special 1:02:56

3M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Head coach Mikey Varas joins Marvell, Sal, and Kaila ahead of Decision Day to share insight into his coaching philosophy and what being a part of San Diego FC's inaugural season has meant to him. Founding Partner and Padres All-Star third baseman Manny Machado tells behind-the-scenes stories about being a part of the launch of SDFC.…

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Hirving “Chucky” Lozano – Family, Football and Finding Home in San Diego 33:01

3M ago33:01

33:01

Fresh from breaking MLS expansion records for most wins and points in a single season, San Diego FC are in celebration mode — and so are we. This week, Behind the Flow brings you something special: the full, unedited conversation with Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. A few weeks ago, Chucky featured in our Hispanic Heritage episode — but so many of you ask…

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Playoffs on deck with DJ Dynamiq 51:17

3M ago51:17

51:17

DJ Dynamiq, San Diego FC's official in-match DJ, talks about opening for Bad Bunny and what it means to be a part of building the matchday experience in SDFC's inaugural season. Marvell, Sal, and Kaila recap the club's historic 4-2 win over the Houston Dynamo and provide an update to the playoff picture and the importance of Decision Day.…

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The SDFC Brand – Crest, Colours and Chrome Uniting a Community 30:03

3M ago30:03

30:03

When San Diego FC first unveiled their look, it sparked debate. Some called the badge AI-generated, others dismissed the shirt as a dud. But in just a few months, both have become symbols of a club finding its identity. This week, Behind the Flow dives into the story of the brand. Adrian García-Márquez is joined by ESPN’s Katia Castorena and San Di…

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A deep dive into Goalkeeping with Pablo Sisniega and Jason Grubb 1:07:44

3M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega shares the story of how he first became a goalkeeper and why this is the most fun he's had playing the position. Assistant coach Jason Grubb discusses the unique role goalkeeping has in the Right to Dream style of play and shares his insight on how the position will continue to evolve. Marvell, Kaila and Sal break down pot…

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Our Heartbeat – Mexico’s Influence and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano Joins the Show 32:07

3M ago32:07

32:07

From his unveiling at the Shell to his first goal at Snapdragon, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has quickly become the face of San Diego FC. This week, Behind the Flow goes beyond the headlines to hear from the man himself — the Mexican superstar whose arrival has electrified the city. Adrian García-Márquez is joined by ESPN’s Katia Castorena and San Dieg…

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Alejandro Alvarado on experiencing a full circle moment with SDFC 1:07:48

3M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

Midfielder Alejandro Alvarado Jr. shares an update on his recovery journey and how making his MLS debut in San Diego FC's first-ever match was a full circle moment for him. Assistant coach Frank Hjortebjerg joins Sal, Marvell and Kaila to preview San Jose and recap recent results vs Minnesota, Atlanta and Xolos in the Inaugural Baja Cup.…

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The Coach Who Made San Diego Flow – The Inside Story on Mikey Varas 46:16

3M ago46:16

46:16

From thirty strangers to the top of the West, San Diego FC’s debut season has been shaped by one man: Head Coach Mikey Varas. This week, Behind the Flow steps off the pitch and into the dugout to uncover the story of San Diego’s first head coach — his Chilean-American roots, his coaching journey, the inspiration he’s drawn from football’s biggest n…

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Hirving Lozano shares what it means to represent Mexico on the national stage and in San Diego 1:03:27

4M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

CBS Sports Golazo host and reporter Claudia Pagán joins Sal, Marvell and Kaila to provide her view of San Diego FC's inaugural season. Hirving Lozano joins Claudia to share memories of growing up with C.F. Pachuca and what it means to him to be a part of San Diego FC. Assistant Coach Kelvin Jones recaps the 2-1 victory over LAFC and previews this S…

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The Backline Boys — McSmash Brothers, Youth Rising & the Rottweiler at the Door 42:13

4M ago42:13

42:13

After a week dedicated to goals, Behind the Flow flips the script to spotlight the galácticos who stop them: the San Diego FC defense. Adrian García-Márquez is joined by ESPN’s Katia Castorena and San Diego Sports 760’s Darren Smith to break down the numbers, the partnerships, and the personalities behind one of MLS’s most compelling back lines. We…

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Goals, Goals, Goals — The Art of Attacking Soccer with Anders Dreyer and Tyler Heaps 40:08

4M ago40:08

40:08

From the outset of San Diego FC's season, hope was laid at the feet (and head) of Scandinavian sharpshooter Marcus Ingvartsen. But with him sidelined, the team has had to find alternatives at the number nine position. And with 54 goals so far — tied for the most in MLS this season — it’s clear those alternatives are working. In this episode, Adrian…

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Beat LA! — Fan Culture, Rivalries & the rise of Frontera SD 42:51

4M ago42:51

42:51

Behind the Flow turns the spotlight on the lifeblood of the game: the fans. From the blueprint of the Portland Timbers Army to the birth of San Diego’s own Frontera SD supporters’ union, we explore how culture in the stands is shaping the club on and off the pitch. We hear from SDFC CEO Tom Penn, Timbers Army 107 founder Fernando “Nando” Machicado …

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Ian Pilcher on his pathway from college to the MLS 45:56

4M ago45:56

45:56

Defender Ian Pilcher shares his journey of getting drafted by San Diego FC, growing up in a family of athletes, and he reveals the team's best table tennis player. Assistant coach Frank Hjortebjerg joins Sal, Marvell and Kaila to recap Portland and preview LAFC.By San Diego FC

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Relentless Football — Inside SDFC’s Style with Mikey Varas, Frank Hjortebjerg & Jeppe Tverskov 45:52

4M ago45:52

45:52

San Diego FC’s bold, risk-taking style has taken MLS by storm — but what does it really mean to play the Right to Dream way? Behind the Flow dives into the tactics and culture that have powered SDFC to the top of the Western Conference. Adrian Garcia Marquez, ESPN’s Katia Castorena, and San Diego Sports 760’s Darren Smith unpack the methods behind …

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Marcus Ingvartsen on his electric return to the pitch 52:18

4M ago52:18

52:18

Marcus Ingvartsen details his recovery and electric return to the pitch in a 2-1 win over San Jose. He also shares his journey from FC Nordsjælland to San Diego and his current business ventures. Assistant Coach Kelvin Jones joins Sal, Marvell, and Kaila to preview Portland and recap San Diego FC's sixth-straight road victory, extending its own MLS…

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Rookies — Ian Pilcher and Manu Duah Take Their Chance + Inside SDFC’s Scouting “Stress Test” 45:23

5M ago45:23

45:23

As San Diego FC’s debut season pushes into a crucial playoff race, Behind the Flow dives into a landmark first meeting with the San Jose Earthquakes — and the mentality that’s kept SDFC on top of the Western Conference. Adrian Garcia Marquez is back in the chair, alongside ESPN’s Katia Castorena and San Diego Sports 760’s Darren Smith, as they unpa…

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Ranking matchday fits with Alex Mighten 59:51

4M ago59:51

59:51

Alex Mighten talks fashion, compares the MLS to the EPL, and answers some fan (and teammate-submitted) questions. Assistant Coach Kelvin Jones joins Sal, Marvell, and Kaila to preview San Jose and recap resent results versus Nashville, Leagues Cup, and Sporting Kansas City.By San Diego FC

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Dream Start Recap + SDFC CEO Tom Penn on "Those" Chants 44:03

5M ago44:03

44:03

As San Diego FC pauses at the halfway point of their dream debut season, Behind the Flow kicks off a new run of weekly episodes — discussing every twist of the second half. Adrian Garcia Marquez returns to host, joined by ESPN’s Katia Castorena and San Diego Sports 760’s Darren Smith, as they break down the season’s highs, lows, and landmark moment…

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Episode 10: Preseason 52:53

5M ago52:53

52:53

It’s January 2025, and just weeks before SDFC embarks on its maiden season. The training facility at Singing Hills finally opens its doors — just in the nick of time! But not before pausing to celebrate the land and the people who made it possible. As Tyler puts the finishing touches on his playing squad, we join Mikey and his new players for their…

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Episode 9: The Draft 43:28

5M ago43:28

43:28

It’s draft day — and Tyler’s big date with destiny! The SDFC recruitment team braces for a whirlwind 48 hours of wheeling and dealing as they look to lock down the spine of their first-ever team via the MLS Expansion Draft. But after weeks of careful planning, it all goes out the window when the unprotected player list finally goes live. There are …

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Crashing press conferences with Manu Duah and Willy 53:52

5M ago53:52

53:52

Manu Duah and Willy join the pod together to talk about debuts, Right to Dream, and crashing press conferences. Assistant Coach Frank Hjortebjerg joins Sal and Kaila to recap Chicago, Toronto, and Vancouver, and to look ahead to Nashville and Leagues Cup.By San Diego FC

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Episode 8: Scouting without Borders 43:09

5M ago43:09

43:09

In this episode, we step inside the Right to Dream Academy: San Diego. With ambitions to be the most advanced facility of its kind in North America, the clock is ticking to get it ready for their first wave of student-athletes in 2025. We meet the club’s team of scouts — the largest in MLS — and learn what they’re doing differently in order to unea…

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Episode 7: Building the Future 42:52

6M ago42:52

42:52

Right to Dream has landed in Southern California with a bold plan to revolutionize youth development. But is everyone happy to see them? San Diego is known as a hotbed of soccer talent — home to some of the nation's top youth clubs, each with their own way of doing things. We meet the SDFC staff who are out in the community, working to win hearts a…

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Building the Human Performance Team at San Diego FC with Luke Jenkinson 48:38

6M ago48:38

48:38

San Diego FC's Head of Human Performance, Luke Jenkinson, joins the podcast to share stories of planning the first preseason for an expansion franchise and building the support staff for the first team and the Right To Dream Academy. Assistant Coach Kelvin Jones joins Sal and Kaila to recap Houston and preview Chicago.…

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Episode 6: Building a Team 43:10

6M ago43:10

43:10

It’s November 2024, less than three months until SDFC play their first-ever game — and they only have six players on their roster. But in a few weeks’ time, they’ll have an opportunity to change that with the MLS Expansion Draft and SuperDraft. Tyler and Mikey now focus on how to build a team that can play in the Right to Dream style — while winnin…

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Episode 5: The Playbook 43:13

6M ago43:13

43:13

Mikey and Tyler start strategizing on how to build a Right to Dream club, true to the organization’s philosophy, while representing the people of Southern California. But before they can start thinking about players and tactics, they set off on a whirlwind world tour of the Right to Dream network. They visit Ghana, Egypt, and Denmark to see what le…

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From Dallas, to Finland, to San Diego: Onni Valakari shares his journey to the MLS 1:04:03

6M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

Midfielder Onni Valakari reflects on his childhood memories of the MLS, scoring the first home goal for San Diego FC, and his favorite Finnish foods. Assistant Coach Frank Hjortebjerg joins Kaila, Sal, and Marvell to recap the recent matches vs Vancouver and Dallas and preview Houston.By San Diego FC

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Episode 4: Uniting a Fanbase 46:14

6M ago46:14

46:14

San Diegans love their sports teams — but there’s also been more than a little heartbreak over the years. It’s a history littered with false dawns and tragic endings, not least when it comes to soccer teams. The job SDFC faces is simple: unite seven fragmented supporter groups under one banner, and appeal to a city of passionate fans in time for ma…

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Episode 3: Financing a Franchise 46:53

6M ago46:53

46:53

So, what does it take to win the rights to become Major League Soccer’s 30th team? And who would pay half a billion dollars to do it?! In this episode, we explore the unlikely partnership behind SDFC: Right to Dream — a revolutionary global soccer group — and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation — the first Native American owners in men’s profess…

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Episode 2: Rookies (Part 2) 34:24

6M ago34:24

34:24

It’s September 2024. The national sports press has gathered at Snapdragon Stadium for the unveiling of San Diego FC’s first-ever head coach — Mikey Varas. As he prepares to face the media and the fans, we delve into the club’s hiring process and hear from those behind the decision to bring Mikey to America’s Finest City. Coming off a tumultuous two…

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Episode 1: Rookies (Part 1) 36:37

6M ago36:37

36:37

It’s the summer of 2024 — four months since the announcement that MLS is finally coming to San Diego, and just over six months until SDFC takes the field for their first-ever game. Join us behind the scenes to see what it takes to launch a sports organization from scratch; hear what the soccer-loving people of San Diego really think — and meet the …

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Recapping Minnesota and the first half of the season with Marvell and Sal 1:01:47

6M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

Marvell Wynne and Sal Zizzo recap the match vs Minnesota United as well as the first half of the MLS season for San Diego FC. They also share their own pathway to the pros and stories from the pitch.By San Diego FC

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Introducing: San Diego FC: Behind the Flow 2:39

7M ago2:39

2:39

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

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Tomás Ángel on Growing Up in the Game and Scoring that Goal vs Club América 50:39

7M ago50:39

50:39

Forward Tomás Ángel reflects on the impact his father’s international playing days had on his career, the advice he received from Thierry Henry, and what went into his world-class goal vs Club América. Assistant Coach Kelvin Jones joins Sal, Marvell and Kaila to recap SDFC’s 3-0 friendly win over Club América and to preview the Minnesota United mat…

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Escondido to Snapdragon Stadium: Milan Iloski & the May Recap 1:02:47

7M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

San Diego FC Forward Milan Iloski, an Escondido native, speaks on playing for his hometown club and shares how playing with his brothers -- and teammate Marcus Ingvartsen helped shape his career. Assistant Coach Frank Hjortebjerg recaps the last three matches of May with Sal, Marvell, and Kaila and previews SDFC's friendly match vs Club América.…

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Luca Bombino on establishing his role as a starter 43:06

7M ago43:06

43:06

Defender Luca Bombino speaks on his transition to San Diego FC from LA, making his MLS debut, and what it means to him to play for San Diego. Assistant Coach Kelvin Jones recaps the last three matches with Marvell and Kaila and previews the rematch vs LA Galaxy.By San Diego FC

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CJ Dos Santos on leaving a legacy with SDFC 1:13:13

8M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

CJ Dos Santos shares the story of how he first became a goalkeeper and gives the inspiration behind his matchday outfits . Assistant Coach Frank Hjortebjerg recaps the 5-0 win over FC Dallas and joins Sal, Marvell and Kaila for our Match Preview, presented by Alaska Airlines.By San Diego FC

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Luca de la Torre on playing for his hometown team 54:30

8M ago54:30

54:30

Midfielder Luca de la Torre reflects on the time he had the most fun playing football and the time he ate a full octopus. Assistant Coach Kelvin Jones provides his insight on recent results and joins Sal, Marvell and Kaila for our Match Preview, presented by Alaska Airlines. San Diego FC’s Military Community Outreach Consultant Russ Thompson joins …

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Ema Boateng on the Impact of Right to Dream 52:17

8M ago52:17

52:17

Ema Boateng discusses his journey from the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana to the MLS. He shares how those early experiences — from learning English with a host family in Santa Barbara to trying s’mores and salsa for the first time — eventually led him to San Diego and a chance to give back to the next generation. Marvell, Sal, and Kaila recap the …