September 25, 2025 • 32 mins
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 Diego Sports 760’s Darren Smith to reflect on San Diego’s Hispanic Heritage Night and the inaugural Baja Cup before diving into Lozano’s exclusive interview. Chucky opens up about the powerful bond he already feels with the San Diego faithful, what daily life is like for his family in the city, and the real story behind his famous nickname.
With nearly 45% of San Diego’s residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Right to Dream saw the border region as the perfect place to build a club that reflects the city’s cultural mix. And with stars like Lozano leading the way, San Diego’s Mexican heartbeat is already impossible to ignore.
Finally, the crew turn their attention to the Californian rivalry — with San Jose up next, could San Diego sweep the Golden State in their inaugural season?
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
You know every night is Hispanic Heritage Night. You wouldn't know.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
I'm Abrian Garcia Marquis and this is.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Behind the Flow the podcast where we dive in deep,
week by week into the heart of San Diego Epsey's
very first season in Major League Soccer.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
In recent weeks, we've.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Talked gold, gold Golas, We've talked defense, and of course
the man's shape in it all, Mikey Vanas. But this
week the focus is gonna shift to something bigger than
football in San Diego's heartbeat, from the Banja Cup and
Hispanic Heritage Night to the launch of the academy that
will recruit half of its players from Mexico. This is
(00:49):
the only MLS club truly built on both sides of
the border Mexican soccer.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
It tends to be deeply technical, attacking oriented, creative style
of play, and merge that with the American athletic traditions,
you have a fascinating hybrid and San Diego is at
the nexus of that.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
And of course we sit down with the face of
the franchise, Irmin tu Quilosan to hear in his own
words what the city and the fans mean to him.
Speaker 5 (01:14):
Bladles Barami is super special.
Speaker 6 (01:17):
Denis connections the moment he arrived in San Diego, that
affection has been constant.
Speaker 5 (01:22):
The connection is very, very special.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
So what does it.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Mean to be a border club with the Mexican soul
in Major League Soccer?
Speaker 2 (01:30):
That's all coming up on behind.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
The flow, Amadrian Garcia Americas saying, joined as always by
Gantia Castorna and Darren Smith. And Gantia, you're joining us
from Barcelona. Gatia a Spanish speaking city that lives and
(01:55):
braids football. Pretty fitting since this week we're talking about
San Diego's own Spanish speaking heartbeat, the connexion with Mexico.
Speaker 6 (02:03):
Ole Salulus from Barcelona. Yes, I love how it's part
of the culture. As you mentioned, you don't have to
explain yourself. Everybody talks about it. They leave like breathe football.
You see their main stars like Lea min jamal on
a next week ad On like in the middle of
(02:26):
the town square in this huge building.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
So yes, it's amazing to see.
Speaker 7 (02:32):
I think, what's going to happen to Katia. She's going
to come back speak in that Castiano style as well.
She's got to start ordering patatas instead of pap us
and then all of a sudden, people around here in
southern California gonna be like, girl, where are you from?
You gotta leave that stuff back in Spain.
Speaker 5 (02:46):
But that does that. I was just try them and
they're so.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Good with a little bit of boolpo. You know, you
got to get your poolpoo when you're up there as well.
I don't know, but it's a it's something Luca de
la Toa can speak to.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
I think a little bit more. But that's how.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Side of Barcelona. So let's start to look at the
football itself. San Diego made the trip, by the way, guys,
from the hottest corner of the America's to Mercedes Benz
Stadium last week in the take on Atlanta United, and
it ended with a draw.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Let's take a listen. I've been asking for two.
Speaker 8 (03:20):
Key to pick a positive target and he does exactly that.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
Great vision is just poured from Atlanta United. Ivey deals
with it.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
How a load off the bar, the seventeens.
Speaker 8 (03:34):
To their feet down alone, sends it past to Santos.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
He's on a knocks it back to Dua.
Speaker 7 (03:43):
So keep the pressure on and McVeigh turns.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
It over sleash, hang around big block. Was that the
moment for Atlanta?
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Now dryer the other way, flag stays down, tryer back safe, hegger.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
Throw it at Atlanta as we wait the final whistle
and there it is so one one.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Draiv with his fifteenth after Chooky set him up nicely,
but Atlanta leveled from the spot and what a game
from Cij dos Santos.
Speaker 7 (04:15):
CJ had a couple of really really great saves. He
went back to that protective face mask for this match,
so I don't know if he was feeling it, and
it added a little bit into the aura of CJ Dosantos.
But four big saves. Gave up the penalty goal obviously,
but kept him in the match and also was pretty
daring outside of the eighteen yard boxes. Well, I think, Adrian,
(04:37):
one of the things that you and I talked about
on the broadcast is we continue to see this connection
between Chucky Lozano and Understreyer. If it's not Choky scoring
with an assist from Unders, it's the other way around, right.
These guys have done this pretty much since match day one.
The first goal of the season, first goal ever, was
Chucky Lozano taking advantage of a mistake like what it
(04:58):
was that we saw in Atlanta and setting up Undair's dryer,
But it is still trying to figure out where else
is the attack coming from.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Yep, that's the main question.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
And got ya, I mean you still get that draw,
which means you still get to fifty seven points and
that ties lafc's expansion record of fifty seven posted in
two thousand and eighteen.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
What stood out to you?
Speaker 5 (05:20):
Definitely?
Speaker 6 (05:21):
The thing that stood out to me as I was
watching the game is that they stay true to their style.
They are playing at a different time zone, at a
difficult field against Atlanta United, that they're already eliminated from contention,
and it was pretty much just for their.
Speaker 5 (05:36):
Pride one hundred percent.
Speaker 7 (05:37):
And you know, I think interesting just to point this
out real quick, is that was the first away draw
in SDFC history. It took this long to have an
away draw, which which you know is Mikey being true
to his word. He was asked about this at one
point early on in the season, will you ever play
for a draw like a lot of these head coaches do,
especially when they're not playing at home. He's like, never,
(05:57):
They're always gotither going to go for the win or
you know they're gonna go down trying guys.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
I think the team is way ahead of schedule in
year one, but it will feel a little depressing after
the whole entire season and leading the way and playing
the football that they've been playing, being at the top
of the mountain, and then at the last possible second,
the last couple of weeks, last couple of match days,
you see the team jump over you and overtake him.
Speaker 6 (06:20):
But if we look at Vancouver's schedule, it's not an
easy one, even though they have games in hand, but
they're going to face Portland, They're going to go to Seattle.
Those games are going to be very difficult. Then they
also have San Jose that one they can definitely win,
especially in Vancouver, but then Orlando a contender also in
the East, and then they close it off against Dallas.
It's a tough stretch for them to finish the regular season,
(06:41):
and I agree it would definitely not be a failure
for as EFC, but they of course want to finish
on top.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
So today, as mentioned, we're shining a spot like on
San Diego's relationship with football and Mexico. In the last
few weeks, I've asked you guys for your favorite goals,
your favorite defensive moments. You've been your favorite Mikey moment. Today,
I'm going to go a little deeper. What's your favorite
moment so far that really captures San Diego's connection with Mexico.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Kadia Ladies.
Speaker 6 (07:10):
First, For me, it has to be the atmosphere at
the stadium since day one, just the way everyone is
living the game, the chance everyone speaking Spanish, just the atmosphere,
the vibes.
Speaker 5 (07:24):
You can really feel the influence.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Darren. For you, that's a couple.
Speaker 7 (07:29):
I think we've talked previously about the time that Yepe
and Anders took a trip south of the border and
went to a Club Tijuana match. I think that speaks
so well of them. But I also think we have
seen what now five League MX clubs play at Snapdragon Stadium,
and I will say, you know, for me as the
(07:50):
chief Caucasian correspondent on the podcast, that you know, listening
to the Mexican National anthem when it's performed inside of
Snapdraz Stadium and seeing the pride like the Baja Cup
when they performed the Mexican National anthem, and then the
United States national Anthem. Just to see the way people
(08:10):
from all walks of life can stand and show their support,
I think is really it's such a great thing to experience,
It's such a great thing to be a part of.
And I'm just really really proud to be there and
to be a part of that all for what's being built.
Speaker 3 (08:24):
And you mentioned the word built, and I think you
had to get it right when building the franchise when
it came to that one player that was going to
be the connection. And for me, that's my highlight when
it comes to connecting, to making getting the right player,
the right gravitas right if you will, that rock star
power in eating chu Ki Losano was the perfect fit.
From the pitch in Atlanta to the Stanzas snat Dragon Stadium,
(08:46):
San Diego's Mexican heartbeat is impossible to miss. After the break,
journalist Charles Bohm explains why write to Dream built this
club right here, and later Schulki himself is going to join.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Welcome Back.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
In the first ten episodes of this series, we explored
how San Diego Epsey was built from idea the stadium
to first match. Along the way, we spoke to journalist
Charles Boeham about what makes this club unique and its
relationship with Mexico.
Speaker 4 (09:40):
San Diego purposely built their facilities within the FIFA mandated
border region that allows them to recruit on both sides,
so they can recruit south of the border. In Mexico,
they can try and challenge the player pool that Cholos
Club Tijuana the Lega mex Club just across the border
have long cultivated. You know, they can go and try
(10:02):
and make a case to those young kids in the
Tijuana region to come north and across the border.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
And it may be hard to believe for.
Speaker 4 (10:10):
People who live in other parts of the world, but
every day thousands of people are driving back and forth
across those border crossings between Tijuana and San Diego. There's
prominent examples of top us players, the likes of Brandon
Vazquez Paul Ariola did that commute south every day, getting
up early at their house in San Diego or Chu
(10:31):
La Vista, crossing the border to go train with clubs
you wanta, because that was the best player environment that
they had, the best opportunity they had, so those two
clubs could become fierce rivals, just even on the strictly
in the recruiting grounds. They've said the right thing so far,
They've created a partnership. They want to play one another
in friendly is. They want to try and be friendly
(10:52):
about how they go about things. But inevitably, I think
there will be some competition here.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
And that was back in December twenty twenty four, when
the partnership with Sholos was just still taking baby steps.
Since then, it's come completely alive, most memorably in the
inaugural Banca Cup at snap Dragon Stadium. Now, we were
at the game that night and caught up with the
fans out and about, and this is what they said.
Speaker 9 (11:25):
Heritage, Hispanic heritage is very important to us as we're
all Mexican. I'm from San Diego, so being able to
recognize our cultures the way we can become together is
something very important to me. And I'm really excited at
San Diego decided to host us tonight.
Speaker 10 (11:40):
They're showing us that we're all welcome, that we're all united,
we all feel loved and supported by everybody else, not
just one person, not but the whole stadium, you know,
and everybody out here. You see everybody representing their shirts,
their Mexico shirts today that's pretty amazing.
Speaker 11 (11:52):
I didn't know it was Hispanic Heritage a month, but
or day or whatever. But I think it's great. It
helps them feel like they're part of the team. The
community is part of the team, you know, because I
mean ninety percent of the fans er Hispanic, you know,
So I think it's a plus overall for the team.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
You know, every night is Hispanic Heritage Night. Everybody's working together,
and I think that's what you see about the Hispanic community.
You know, it's working in unison with other cultures. So
I think that's why Hispanic paratage Knight. As you can see,
it's not just Hispanics here, it's everyone from all cultures.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
And that brings us to the bigger picture.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
Why Mexico and why is this relationship so central to
San Diego's identity. Here's more from that interview with Charles
Boehm back in December twenty twenty four.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
Number one most followed soccer league in the United States
remains League MX. When we look at the statistics of
viewership for many years now, there's a widespread perception both
in the United States and Mexico and beyond that the
next great player, the next sort of naymar or messy
(13:15):
level talent is statistically and culturally very possibly could come
from a Mexican American or Hispanic American background somewhere in
the western or southwest United States. They're very likely to
be in a working class situation. They may not necessarily
have full access to the established youth pathways. But when
(13:39):
you look at the combination of the United States is
sporting infrastructure, the performance mentality, the athletic culture that we
have here. Then when you look at what Mexican football
and culture is like, with deeply died in the wool
affiliations and relationships with clubs, with big clubs and soccer
as a heritage and Mexican soccer, it tends to be
(14:01):
deeply technical, a really vibrant, attacking oriented, creative style of play.
And so when you merge that with the sort of
the American athletic traditions, you have a really fascinating hybrid.
And San Diego is at the nexus of that. Eventually,
I think there will be an elite players that comes
through that system. There's already many pros that have come
out of that environment. So I think that's why you
(14:26):
spend all the money and you take this big swing
if you're a monsieur and Right to Dream, because when
you have what they already have built in Europe and Africa,
and then you add that Mexican, Mexican American and United
States tradition and sort of milange that we have, I
think you have something potent there. And many have tried
(14:48):
and others will continue to and they certainly don't have
the soul rights to it, but they have a really
interesting shot at building something there.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
And that's why Right to Dream has built the club
where they've done it, and they saw the opportunity to
just build out of singing hills and then later on
the music will follow when it comes to football, look
Ecto Rera from there, Tequil Mora, you can mention quite
a few names from the region, Fernando Arsen. There's going
to be a lot of talent in the pool and
they're going to be competing.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
With Scholas Winkless for it. But I'll start with you, Katya.
Speaker 3 (15:21):
Every match that snap Dragon Stadium feels like Mexico is
definitely present. But that's always been the identity of San
Diego because it is a definitely multicultural.
Speaker 6 (15:32):
Environment, definitely, and it's so hard, like Charles mentioned, to
explain sometimes for people from the outside that have never
seen it, how can they fathom the fact that thousands
of people go back and forth and how intertwined both
cultures and both cities and just the relationships can be
and how that shapes you. So whenever someone asked me, like,
(15:52):
where are you from? And I'm like, what am I
supposed to say? Because I feel like I'm from Tijuana,
but I'm also from San Diego and you have because
I was born in San Diego. But you get a
little bit of both, and you see it now the
way it's showing or it's translating into the soccer world.
But one of my favorite features that I did ever
with ESPN back in the day was going to joco
(16:14):
Ona's house in Chula Vista one morning and then polar
Riola drives up as well, because they would carpool to
go train with Sholos. So we met up at Joe's
house in Chula Vista and just followed him around doing
his morning routine. Then polar Riola gets there, they both
(16:35):
get in the car, we're filming the whole thing, and
then we're driving down crossing the border. And then they
just get to the Sholos training facility to go on
about their day and then back to San Diego when
they're done training. And that's what they did every single day.
And now you're thinking about these kids. I already know
a family friend that one kid tried out in the
(16:56):
SEFC academy and they're going to be crossing from Ijuana
Tussan Diego. Because this just doubles the opportunities for them
to just try and make it when they have this
dream of being a footballer.
Speaker 7 (17:09):
Yeah, and then to cut his point, as somebody who
wasn't born and raised here, you know when I explain
to people, you know that there are friends of mine.
Alejandra Guito is another one of these types of players
who grew up who was in Tijuana and his parents
used to wait in line to cross the border with
a walkie talkie and then when they were getting close
to crossing, you know, the dad would radio to the
(17:31):
mob and they'd say, Okay, it's time to put Alex
in the car and drive them to the border now
so he can go to school. Like, people have no
idea of how much of a functioning ecosystem this entire
region is, but I know it sounded like just some
slick marketing when we heard about what the official club
colors were going to be, that it was going to
be chrome and a zuol. But the chrome was meant
to reflect the diversity of the County of San Diego,
(17:55):
of this entire region. And when you talk about seeing Mexicans,
you think about the Euros, the Scandinavians, players Luca de
la Torre right from Carlsbad. There are players from Africa.
That's kind of what this is all about. So you know,
at first you're like, oh, okay, that was done in
some workshop someplace. Then you see how the entire thing
(18:16):
has been constructed and you're like, no, they were serious
about that, that the chrome really is reflective and the
club is going to be reflective of the diverse community.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
So Charles Boeham told us that the next global superstar
could very welcome from our region and have a Mexican
American background. But right now San Diego AFC already have
their own superstar, and that player is one that make
everybody go wild and start saying, hey, Chuki Losano, even
me when I'm broadcasting the game, Peter ban Losano, we
caught up with him to talk about his time in
(18:50):
the finest city, how much he enjoys the finest things
in the finest city, especially the finest family time. I
also asked him if there's something happening between him and
the San Diego faithful and how has that bond been
developing over these last few months.
Speaker 6 (19:14):
Ok is saying right there that he's very grateful and
he's always felt that love and respect from the fans,
and since the moment he arrived in San Diego, that
affection has been constant. The connection is very very special,
and he's very grateful that it has been that way.
Speaker 5 (19:33):
Through the entirety of his career.
Speaker 6 (19:35):
He's always felt that Garino in Mexico. Also when he's
been abroad, when he's wearing the Mexican national team jersey,
it's been the same thing. But since arriving in San Diego,
it's been very special. He says, it's different, and it's
something he treasures deeply. So every single time that a
fan goes up to him, he tries to reciprocate that
(19:55):
love that he's always felled. So he's very very happy
and he's very grateful.
Speaker 7 (20:00):
I mean, he said Carino so many times in that
clip there that it was really really obvious how important
that was to him. And yeah, you just think too
about how everybody has responded to this player, in particular
to the point where you will see children sometimes with
their parents at the stadium in Jersey's faces painted right,
wearing the masks, and like they get emotional when they
(20:22):
just are around Tuki Lozano. He's had that kind of impact.
As a matter of fact, out at the stadium, you
can hear it from the fans themselves.
Speaker 10 (20:30):
He's such a good player. He brings out so much
out in the team. He really shows up for the
team and we just love to see him play and
show us so much love in the field and out
the field, and you know, he brings so much good.
Speaker 11 (20:44):
I think maybe eighty percent of the people out here
only know chucki Losana, you know, they don't know any
other players other than he's on the team, you know,
and they come out to see him. So for him
to be on the team in San Diego here close
to the border, I think it's huge because I'm sure
people come from across the border just to see him playing,
you know. And and it's a good call you know,
(21:06):
you got to get somebody popular, you know, somebody that
people want to see. They got him here and that's great.
You know, it's awesome. It's awesome for the team.
Speaker 8 (21:15):
Means a lot because well besides the international history that
he asked, which wasn't much, but he went out and
did it with PSV, did it with Napoli, one of
the only Mexicans that has accomplished European titles. So definitely
for me as a Mexican a fan, definitely love having him.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
He is present in the moment and joined the entire
atmosphere and you know, giving his all, you know, one
hundred percent effort on the field, and that encompasses our
heritage and you're not just going out there by yourself.
I think part of the Latino culture, Hispanic culture, we
bring everybody with us, We carry generations of our ancestors,
(21:56):
and I think he's a wonderful example of that.
Speaker 6 (22:02):
And I've had the opportunity to follow him throughout his
career since those Fatuca days when he was this promising
young talent out of the Tusso's academy and now seeing.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
What he's become.
Speaker 6 (22:13):
Of course, Mexicans are so proud of him, not just
as a player, but as a symbol. He got to
score one of the most iconic goals for the Mexican
national team against Germany in the twenty eighteen World Cup.
That goal, that moment, that victory against Germany, will go
down in the history books. It was just such a
special moment and he was a part of it. So
(22:36):
for him to now be the face of San Diego,
it's just so special for fans on both sides of
the border.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
As we just listened, and you know, one of the
things I love too is just also just watching him
on the field, right, Like there's no doubt about it
how popular this player is. But when you see some
of the stuff that he does in training, when you
see some of the stuff, a little bit of the
dirty work, you don't know, right, this is a guy
that's want a PSB. This is a guy that's wanted Napoli,
Like is he is he going to be bigger, perhaps
(23:02):
than than an MLS club is actually themselves, But it's
never appeared that way.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
But here's what I want to know.
Speaker 7 (23:09):
Can we get some clarification on the nickname Choky because.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
I know we keep talking about it, but I would
like this what we did.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
We're here to serve there and stick around and find
out I'm behind the floor.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
Welcome back and you're joining us.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Mid interview, as we continue our conversation with Irving Losano
aka Chucky, let's revisit by asking how Chucky Lolsano became Chucky.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
Yeah, Pachuka, so Irbin.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
Breaking it down that when he joined Pachuca at about
ten years of age, he was always pulling little pranks
on his teammates, trying to scare them, popping out from
under the bunk and the beds and just trying to
scare the crap out of his little teammates. So they're like, hey, Cam,
the chucky like, easy, chucky like. And it just started
from that point on.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
They said, you know what, We're gonna call you Chokey
from here on out because you're a little punk scarin us.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
So it stuck and that's the truth.
Speaker 6 (24:20):
And he likes it because in Mexican culture, nicknames it's
a love language. It's a term of endearment. You're being baptized,
you're being welcomed into the family. Sometimes you know they
were teasing you back in the day.
Speaker 5 (24:32):
When you were in school. But even then it was
out of love.
Speaker 6 (24:36):
It was them trying, you know, to find that unique
name that was gonna be just for you. That's just
so Mexican, and it so happens in sports that the
nickname becomes bigger than the player. He'll always be Chokey,
and here in San Diego that instantly connects fans back
to his roots in Pachuca and Mexico.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
I'm gonna let you in on a little Mexican secret
as to why we drop nicknames on people since we're kids,
since growing up.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
Because there are so many.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
Josees, so many Juan, so many Miguel's, so many have
the same freaking name.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
We have to come up with another, Like you know
so so that duh huh.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
So that day you pull up, you pull up to
I don't know, some school event and your mom made
you wear a white coat that day and you have
a black shirt. Come na, Pinca Travolta, and that's it.
You're Travolta from that day on because you look like
John Travolta.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
It just happens.
Speaker 3 (25:34):
It's just it's easier to remember somebody through a nickname
than their actual name because everybody has the same damn name,
at least, said my.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Neck of the Woods. That's what was weird for me
to have my name Adrian. My dad's name's Juan.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
You know my dat does names pulled video like, I
can't get more Mexican than the names of my family.
Then my mom said, nah, I'm changing the narrative. I'm
naming a Madrian. But then, growing up, I thought it
was a girl's name, so I was all upset about it.
I would have preferred Jose or Juan, then Adrian. Then
I grew into it, and I love it now. I'm
glad they didn't burn me out. But that's just the
nickname history. Why we drop nicknames on people, because sometimes
(26:06):
it's just hard to remember their names.
Speaker 6 (26:08):
Yes, he just did the box right there.
Speaker 5 (26:11):
It was perfect.
Speaker 7 (26:13):
I feel honored to have earned a nickname then from Adrian.
But I'm even looking at this roster and I'm thinking
now listening Takati, I'm thinking about all these different nicknames
for all these different players that I've heard through thirty
one matches this season, and all of a sudden, I
have complete clarity on what it is that Adrian has
been doing in the radio booth this entire Thank you
so much for explaining that.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
So finally, what does it mean to irving Losanos feeling
the Karino nothing but love to be part of Elamore
in San.
Speaker 5 (26:43):
Diego, the tennis in Sanjo.
Speaker 6 (26:49):
He and right there he says how proud he feels
to belong to San Diego and also how much it
is part of a responsibility to carry that responsibility of
representing the club, and he always tries to uphold that
with his performances and the way he carries himself on
and off the pitch. For him, it's been very beautiful.
(27:10):
It's different, and he's enjoying every moment and he continues
to be I mean, he hopes he can continue to
do it for many, many years. And right now, the
fact that they're doing great, that they're leading the West,
that they've had a good run, it just makes it
the more special. And it's been a very very beautiful
moment for them to experience together as a team, and
for him personally as well.
Speaker 3 (27:32):
That's chooky, proud, playful and carrying the affection of two
countries for fans in San Diego and Makiico. He's more
than assigning. He's been a symbol of what this club
is truly becoming now, from the pride of Chuki to
the pride of California. This weekend against San Jose, San
Diego has a chance to complete the sweep the Escobaston
(27:54):
with victories over every California team in its very first season.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
God, Dan Darren, what does this mean to you?
Speaker 7 (28:00):
Everything five and oh at MLS and I will chalk
up the Toolos one as well. I mean that's sixth,
that's Paja California. So listen, we don't think California is
the best date. We all know California is the best
date to say that you are the best club in
the best state. I think it's incredibly meaningful. I'm all
about it. I'm looking for the clean sweep against San
Jose coming up on Saturday night. I think it's a
(28:20):
really big deal to say that in your first season.
Speaker 6 (28:22):
Gotda talk about having bragging rights of California in season one,
year one, it's already been a historic year and you
can even get those rights and say, oh yeah, by
the way, we beat the defending champions, not ones by
twice against the Alley Galaxy, we beat LAFC twice, and
now we could also beat Sun Jose Earthquakes twice and
(28:45):
the Baja Cup.
Speaker 5 (28:46):
I mean, that's just amazing.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
I'll tell you what's amazing the lyrics, the prophetic lyrics
of the Chili Peppers. The sun may rise in the
eastern skies, but it settles in a final location, meaning
the West coast. Baby, that's where we're at. This is
where the sun sets. This is where the sun resides,
lives and cracks. Open US three and watch you San
Diego FC. Now let's talk about predictions. Spredicksis, Darren Domis.
I'm going to start with you because you've been nailing
(29:09):
them up late.
Speaker 7 (29:10):
Go ahead, Well, I think they have to win this one.
The results at Snapdragon Stadium haven't been great, and I'm
not saying they have to win it like it's a
must win when you're sitting on top of the Western
Conference standings, but to be able to break those expansion
records for wins in points at home against another club
from the state of California, to complete the clean sweep,
and also knowing that you're playing away over the next
couple of weeks, I think you just want to play
(29:31):
your final regular season match at Snapdragon Stadium. And leave
with a good taste in your mouth. Over the last
six one win at Snapdragon Stadium, Mikey has talked time
and time again about building a fortress. We're going to
be hosting playoff games, so I want to leave on
a high note. So I think it's going to be
a big one on Saturday Night. I'm going to say
three to one in favor of the Chromoozuli.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
Got youa Fredicks June throwing your Walter Mercado.
Speaker 6 (29:56):
Coat, throwing my Walter Mercado coat. I think as EFC,
we'll do it again, especially at home. It's going to
be a very special moment and they're going to get
that win. Even though the Earthquakes won the last game,
but it was against Houston and we already know the
Dynamo struggles. But then before that they've been struggling. San
Jose allows a lot of goals and because of San
(30:17):
Diego's style of play, they did it once and they
can do it again.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
I'm gonna go with Hi.
Speaker 3 (30:23):
I'm Chuky Losano want to play let's go three nothing
San Diego FC.
Speaker 2 (30:28):
Chooky drops a hat trick just to give all.
Speaker 3 (30:30):
The Gadino back to the finest City and everybody in
the borderlands.
Speaker 2 (30:33):
How about those apples. I like that.
Speaker 7 (30:35):
Good vibes, good vibes from behind the floor. I do
appreciate that. Let's get it going.
Speaker 6 (30:39):
They gave up three to Austin, they gave up four
to LAFC, they gave up three to Saint Louis City,
so now they're going to give up three more to Chuky.
Speaker 2 (30:50):
That's it. Three more a Choky.
Speaker 3 (30:51):
Three assists by one on, two assists by and there's
one by jumping. I'll take that kind of afternoon, and
I like that kind of party. So from Vaka Cup
to the Kiss Spanic Heritage Night celebration, San Diego's Mexican
heartbeat is undeniable and you heard it all here and
with Juki Losano at the center of it all, this
club already feels bigger than football itself. It's about culture,
(31:13):
it's about identity, it's about pride on both sides of
the border, and we feel it, we express it here
on behind the flowing and it's always a pleasure to
work with two of the best that understand this. Katia
Castorina Darren Smith. Again, thank you, this was a great show.
This was fun.
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Well.
Speaker 7 (31:28):
Thank you, and I just want to say, Katia, please
have a little bit of Pankonjamon for me since you're
in Barcelona and I eat that every single meal, and
Adrian stay golden.
Speaker 6 (31:38):
Thank you, brother will do most definitely that sounds like
a good dinner actually, so thank you.
Speaker 3 (31:45):
Oh, thank you Irisano, thank you Katia, thank you.
Speaker 2 (31:49):
Darren, and thank all of you for listening.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
You have once again been dipped in chrome and a
sweet I'm Adrian Garcia Marquez.
Speaker 2 (31:58):
See you next time.
Speaker 5 (32:01):
Attempt attempt
You know every night is Hispanic Heritage Night. You wouldn't know.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
I'm Abrian Garcia Marquis and this is.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Behind the Flow the podcast where we dive in deep,
week by week into the heart of San Diego Epsey's
very first season in Major League Soccer.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
In recent weeks, we've.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Talked gold, gold Golas, We've talked defense, and of course
the man's shape in it all, Mikey Vanas. But this
week the focus is gonna shift to something bigger than
football in San Diego's heartbeat, from the Banja Cup and
Hispanic Heritage Night to the launch of the academy that
will recruit half of its players from Mexico. This is
(00:49):
the only MLS club truly built on both sides of
the border Mexican soccer.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
It tends to be deeply technical, attacking oriented, creative style
of play, and merge that with the American athletic traditions,
you have a fascinating hybrid and San Diego is at
the nexus of that.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
And of course we sit down with the face of
the franchise, Irmin tu Quilosan to hear in his own
words what the city and the fans mean to him.
Speaker 5 (01:14):
Bladles Barami is super special.
Speaker 6 (01:17):
Denis connections the moment he arrived in San Diego, that
affection has been constant.
Speaker 5 (01:22):
The connection is very, very special.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
So what does it.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Mean to be a border club with the Mexican soul
in Major League Soccer?
Speaker 2 (01:30):
That's all coming up on behind.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
The flow, Amadrian Garcia Americas saying, joined as always by
Gantia Castorna and Darren Smith. And Gantia, you're joining us
from Barcelona. Gatia a Spanish speaking city that lives and
(01:55):
braids football. Pretty fitting since this week we're talking about
San Diego's own Spanish speaking heartbeat, the connexion with Mexico.
Speaker 6 (02:03):
Ole Salulus from Barcelona. Yes, I love how it's part
of the culture. As you mentioned, you don't have to
explain yourself. Everybody talks about it. They leave like breathe football.
You see their main stars like Lea min jamal on
a next week ad On like in the middle of
(02:26):
the town square in this huge building.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
So yes, it's amazing to see.
Speaker 7 (02:32):
I think, what's going to happen to Katia. She's going
to come back speak in that Castiano style as well.
She's got to start ordering patatas instead of pap us
and then all of a sudden, people around here in
southern California gonna be like, girl, where are you from?
You gotta leave that stuff back in Spain.
Speaker 5 (02:46):
But that does that. I was just try them and
they're so.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Good with a little bit of boolpo. You know, you
got to get your poolpoo when you're up there as well.
I don't know, but it's a it's something Luca de
la Toa can speak to.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
I think a little bit more. But that's how.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Side of Barcelona. So let's start to look at the
football itself. San Diego made the trip, by the way, guys,
from the hottest corner of the America's to Mercedes Benz
Stadium last week in the take on Atlanta United, and
it ended with a draw.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Let's take a listen. I've been asking for two.
Speaker 8 (03:20):
Key to pick a positive target and he does exactly that.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
Great vision is just poured from Atlanta United. Ivey deals
with it.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
How a load off the bar, the seventeens.
Speaker 8 (03:34):
To their feet down alone, sends it past to Santos.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
He's on a knocks it back to Dua.
Speaker 7 (03:43):
So keep the pressure on and McVeigh turns.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
It over sleash, hang around big block. Was that the
moment for Atlanta?
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Now dryer the other way, flag stays down, tryer back safe, hegger.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
Throw it at Atlanta as we wait the final whistle
and there it is so one one.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Draiv with his fifteenth after Chooky set him up nicely,
but Atlanta leveled from the spot and what a game
from Cij dos Santos.
Speaker 7 (04:15):
CJ had a couple of really really great saves. He
went back to that protective face mask for this match,
so I don't know if he was feeling it, and
it added a little bit into the aura of CJ Dosantos.
But four big saves. Gave up the penalty goal obviously,
but kept him in the match and also was pretty
daring outside of the eighteen yard boxes. Well, I think, Adrian,
(04:37):
one of the things that you and I talked about
on the broadcast is we continue to see this connection
between Chucky Lozano and Understreyer. If it's not Choky scoring
with an assist from Unders, it's the other way around, right.
These guys have done this pretty much since match day one.
The first goal of the season, first goal ever, was
Chucky Lozano taking advantage of a mistake like what it
(04:58):
was that we saw in Atlanta and setting up Undair's dryer,
But it is still trying to figure out where else
is the attack coming from.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Yep, that's the main question.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
And got ya, I mean you still get that draw,
which means you still get to fifty seven points and
that ties lafc's expansion record of fifty seven posted in
two thousand and eighteen.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
What stood out to you?
Speaker 5 (05:20):
Definitely?
Speaker 6 (05:21):
The thing that stood out to me as I was
watching the game is that they stay true to their style.
They are playing at a different time zone, at a
difficult field against Atlanta United, that they're already eliminated from contention,
and it was pretty much just for their.
Speaker 5 (05:36):
Pride one hundred percent.
Speaker 7 (05:37):
And you know, I think interesting just to point this
out real quick, is that was the first away draw
in SDFC history. It took this long to have an
away draw, which which you know is Mikey being true
to his word. He was asked about this at one
point early on in the season, will you ever play
for a draw like a lot of these head coaches do,
especially when they're not playing at home. He's like, never,
(05:57):
They're always gotither going to go for the win or
you know they're gonna go down trying guys.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
I think the team is way ahead of schedule in
year one, but it will feel a little depressing after
the whole entire season and leading the way and playing
the football that they've been playing, being at the top
of the mountain, and then at the last possible second,
the last couple of weeks, last couple of match days,
you see the team jump over you and overtake him.
Speaker 6 (06:20):
But if we look at Vancouver's schedule, it's not an
easy one, even though they have games in hand, but
they're going to face Portland, They're going to go to Seattle.
Those games are going to be very difficult. Then they
also have San Jose that one they can definitely win,
especially in Vancouver, but then Orlando a contender also in
the East, and then they close it off against Dallas.
It's a tough stretch for them to finish the regular season,
(06:41):
and I agree it would definitely not be a failure
for as EFC, but they of course want to finish
on top.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
So today, as mentioned, we're shining a spot like on
San Diego's relationship with football and Mexico. In the last
few weeks, I've asked you guys for your favorite goals,
your favorite defensive moments. You've been your favorite Mikey moment. Today,
I'm going to go a little deeper. What's your favorite
moment so far that really captures San Diego's connection with Mexico.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Kadia Ladies.
Speaker 6 (07:10):
First, For me, it has to be the atmosphere at
the stadium since day one, just the way everyone is
living the game, the chance everyone speaking Spanish, just the atmosphere,
the vibes.
Speaker 5 (07:24):
You can really feel the influence.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Darren. For you, that's a couple.
Speaker 7 (07:29):
I think we've talked previously about the time that Yepe
and Anders took a trip south of the border and
went to a Club Tijuana match. I think that speaks
so well of them. But I also think we have
seen what now five League MX clubs play at Snapdragon Stadium,
and I will say, you know, for me as the
(07:50):
chief Caucasian correspondent on the podcast, that you know, listening
to the Mexican National anthem when it's performed inside of
Snapdraz Stadium and seeing the pride like the Baja Cup
when they performed the Mexican National anthem, and then the
United States national Anthem. Just to see the way people
(08:10):
from all walks of life can stand and show their support,
I think is really it's such a great thing to experience,
It's such a great thing to be a part of.
And I'm just really really proud to be there and
to be a part of that all for what's being built.
Speaker 3 (08:24):
And you mentioned the word built, and I think you
had to get it right when building the franchise when
it came to that one player that was going to
be the connection. And for me, that's my highlight when
it comes to connecting, to making getting the right player,
the right gravitas right if you will, that rock star
power in eating chu Ki Losano was the perfect fit.
From the pitch in Atlanta to the Stanzas snat Dragon Stadium,
(08:46):
San Diego's Mexican heartbeat is impossible to miss. After the break,
journalist Charles Bohm explains why write to Dream built this
club right here, and later Schulki himself is going to join.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Welcome Back.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
In the first ten episodes of this series, we explored
how San Diego Epsey was built from idea the stadium
to first match. Along the way, we spoke to journalist
Charles Boeham about what makes this club unique and its
relationship with Mexico.
Speaker 4 (09:40):
San Diego purposely built their facilities within the FIFA mandated
border region that allows them to recruit on both sides,
so they can recruit south of the border. In Mexico,
they can try and challenge the player pool that Cholos
Club Tijuana the Lega mex Club just across the border
have long cultivated. You know, they can go and try
(10:02):
and make a case to those young kids in the
Tijuana region to come north and across the border.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
And it may be hard to believe for.
Speaker 4 (10:10):
People who live in other parts of the world, but
every day thousands of people are driving back and forth
across those border crossings between Tijuana and San Diego. There's
prominent examples of top us players, the likes of Brandon
Vazquez Paul Ariola did that commute south every day, getting
up early at their house in San Diego or Chu
(10:31):
La Vista, crossing the border to go train with clubs
you wanta, because that was the best player environment that
they had, the best opportunity they had, so those two
clubs could become fierce rivals, just even on the strictly
in the recruiting grounds. They've said the right thing so far,
They've created a partnership. They want to play one another
in friendly is. They want to try and be friendly
(10:52):
about how they go about things. But inevitably, I think
there will be some competition here.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
And that was back in December twenty twenty four, when
the partnership with Sholos was just still taking baby steps.
Since then, it's come completely alive, most memorably in the
inaugural Banca Cup at snap Dragon Stadium. Now, we were
at the game that night and caught up with the
fans out and about, and this is what they said.
Speaker 9 (11:25):
Heritage, Hispanic heritage is very important to us as we're
all Mexican. I'm from San Diego, so being able to
recognize our cultures the way we can become together is
something very important to me. And I'm really excited at
San Diego decided to host us tonight.
Speaker 10 (11:40):
They're showing us that we're all welcome, that we're all united,
we all feel loved and supported by everybody else, not
just one person, not but the whole stadium, you know,
and everybody out here. You see everybody representing their shirts,
their Mexico shirts today that's pretty amazing.
Speaker 11 (11:52):
I didn't know it was Hispanic Heritage a month, but
or day or whatever. But I think it's great. It
helps them feel like they're part of the team. The
community is part of the team, you know, because I
mean ninety percent of the fans er Hispanic, you know,
So I think it's a plus overall for the team.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
You know, every night is Hispanic Heritage Night. Everybody's working together,
and I think that's what you see about the Hispanic community.
You know, it's working in unison with other cultures. So
I think that's why Hispanic paratage Knight. As you can see,
it's not just Hispanics here, it's everyone from all cultures.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
And that brings us to the bigger picture.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
Why Mexico and why is this relationship so central to
San Diego's identity. Here's more from that interview with Charles
Boehm back in December twenty twenty four.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
Number one most followed soccer league in the United States
remains League MX. When we look at the statistics of
viewership for many years now, there's a widespread perception both
in the United States and Mexico and beyond that the
next great player, the next sort of naymar or messy
(13:15):
level talent is statistically and culturally very possibly could come
from a Mexican American or Hispanic American background somewhere in
the western or southwest United States. They're very likely to
be in a working class situation. They may not necessarily
have full access to the established youth pathways. But when
(13:39):
you look at the combination of the United States is
sporting infrastructure, the performance mentality, the athletic culture that we
have here. Then when you look at what Mexican football
and culture is like, with deeply died in the wool
affiliations and relationships with clubs, with big clubs and soccer
as a heritage and Mexican soccer, it tends to be
(14:01):
deeply technical, a really vibrant, attacking oriented, creative style of play.
And so when you merge that with the sort of
the American athletic traditions, you have a really fascinating hybrid.
And San Diego is at the nexus of that. Eventually,
I think there will be an elite players that comes
through that system. There's already many pros that have come
out of that environment. So I think that's why you
(14:26):
spend all the money and you take this big swing
if you're a monsieur and Right to Dream, because when
you have what they already have built in Europe and Africa,
and then you add that Mexican, Mexican American and United
States tradition and sort of milange that we have, I
think you have something potent there. And many have tried
(14:48):
and others will continue to and they certainly don't have
the soul rights to it, but they have a really
interesting shot at building something there.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
And that's why Right to Dream has built the club
where they've done it, and they saw the opportunity to
just build out of singing hills and then later on
the music will follow when it comes to football, look
Ecto Rera from there, Tequil Mora, you can mention quite
a few names from the region, Fernando Arsen. There's going
to be a lot of talent in the pool and
they're going to be competing.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
With Scholas Winkless for it. But I'll start with you, Katya.
Speaker 3 (15:21):
Every match that snap Dragon Stadium feels like Mexico is
definitely present. But that's always been the identity of San
Diego because it is a definitely multicultural.
Speaker 6 (15:32):
Environment, definitely, and it's so hard, like Charles mentioned, to
explain sometimes for people from the outside that have never
seen it, how can they fathom the fact that thousands
of people go back and forth and how intertwined both
cultures and both cities and just the relationships can be
and how that shapes you. So whenever someone asked me, like,
(15:52):
where are you from? And I'm like, what am I
supposed to say? Because I feel like I'm from Tijuana,
but I'm also from San Diego and you have because
I was born in San Diego. But you get a
little bit of both, and you see it now the
way it's showing or it's translating into the soccer world.
But one of my favorite features that I did ever
with ESPN back in the day was going to joco
(16:14):
Ona's house in Chula Vista one morning and then polar
Riola drives up as well, because they would carpool to
go train with Sholos. So we met up at Joe's
house in Chula Vista and just followed him around doing
his morning routine. Then polar Riola gets there, they both
(16:35):
get in the car, we're filming the whole thing, and
then we're driving down crossing the border. And then they
just get to the Sholos training facility to go on
about their day and then back to San Diego when
they're done training. And that's what they did every single day.
And now you're thinking about these kids. I already know
a family friend that one kid tried out in the
(16:56):
SEFC academy and they're going to be crossing from Ijuana
Tussan Diego. Because this just doubles the opportunities for them
to just try and make it when they have this
dream of being a footballer.
Speaker 7 (17:09):
Yeah, and then to cut his point, as somebody who
wasn't born and raised here, you know when I explain
to people, you know that there are friends of mine.
Alejandra Guito is another one of these types of players
who grew up who was in Tijuana and his parents
used to wait in line to cross the border with
a walkie talkie and then when they were getting close
to crossing, you know, the dad would radio to the
(17:31):
mob and they'd say, Okay, it's time to put Alex
in the car and drive them to the border now
so he can go to school. Like, people have no
idea of how much of a functioning ecosystem this entire
region is, but I know it sounded like just some
slick marketing when we heard about what the official club
colors were going to be, that it was going to
be chrome and a zuol. But the chrome was meant
to reflect the diversity of the County of San Diego,
(17:55):
of this entire region. And when you talk about seeing Mexicans,
you think about the Euros, the Scandinavians, players Luca de
la Torre right from Carlsbad. There are players from Africa.
That's kind of what this is all about. So you know,
at first you're like, oh, okay, that was done in
some workshop someplace. Then you see how the entire thing
(18:16):
has been constructed and you're like, no, they were serious
about that, that the chrome really is reflective and the
club is going to be reflective of the diverse community.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
So Charles Boeham told us that the next global superstar
could very welcome from our region and have a Mexican
American background. But right now San Diego AFC already have
their own superstar, and that player is one that make
everybody go wild and start saying, hey, Chuki Losano, even
me when I'm broadcasting the game, Peter ban Losano, we
caught up with him to talk about his time in
(18:50):
the finest city, how much he enjoys the finest things
in the finest city, especially the finest family time. I
also asked him if there's something happening between him and
the San Diego faithful and how has that bond been
developing over these last few months.
Speaker 6 (19:14):
Ok is saying right there that he's very grateful and
he's always felt that love and respect from the fans,
and since the moment he arrived in San Diego, that
affection has been constant. The connection is very very special,
and he's very grateful that it has been that way.
Speaker 5 (19:33):
Through the entirety of his career.
Speaker 6 (19:35):
He's always felt that Garino in Mexico. Also when he's
been abroad, when he's wearing the Mexican national team jersey,
it's been the same thing. But since arriving in San Diego,
it's been very special. He says, it's different, and it's
something he treasures deeply. So every single time that a
fan goes up to him, he tries to reciprocate that
(19:55):
love that he's always felled. So he's very very happy
and he's very grateful.
Speaker 7 (20:00):
I mean, he said Carino so many times in that
clip there that it was really really obvious how important
that was to him. And yeah, you just think too
about how everybody has responded to this player, in particular
to the point where you will see children sometimes with
their parents at the stadium in Jersey's faces painted right,
wearing the masks, and like they get emotional when they
(20:22):
just are around Tuki Lozano. He's had that kind of impact.
As a matter of fact, out at the stadium, you
can hear it from the fans themselves.
Speaker 10 (20:30):
He's such a good player. He brings out so much
out in the team. He really shows up for the
team and we just love to see him play and
show us so much love in the field and out
the field, and you know, he brings so much good.
Speaker 11 (20:44):
I think maybe eighty percent of the people out here
only know chucki Losana, you know, they don't know any
other players other than he's on the team, you know,
and they come out to see him. So for him
to be on the team in San Diego here close
to the border, I think it's huge because I'm sure
people come from across the border just to see him playing,
you know. And and it's a good call you know,
(21:06):
you got to get somebody popular, you know, somebody that
people want to see. They got him here and that's great.
You know, it's awesome. It's awesome for the team.
Speaker 8 (21:15):
Means a lot because well besides the international history that
he asked, which wasn't much, but he went out and
did it with PSV, did it with Napoli, one of
the only Mexicans that has accomplished European titles. So definitely
for me as a Mexican a fan, definitely love having him.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
He is present in the moment and joined the entire
atmosphere and you know, giving his all, you know, one
hundred percent effort on the field, and that encompasses our
heritage and you're not just going out there by yourself.
I think part of the Latino culture, Hispanic culture, we
bring everybody with us, We carry generations of our ancestors,
(21:56):
and I think he's a wonderful example of that.
Speaker 6 (22:02):
And I've had the opportunity to follow him throughout his
career since those Fatuca days when he was this promising
young talent out of the Tusso's academy and now seeing.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
What he's become.
Speaker 6 (22:13):
Of course, Mexicans are so proud of him, not just
as a player, but as a symbol. He got to
score one of the most iconic goals for the Mexican
national team against Germany in the twenty eighteen World Cup.
That goal, that moment, that victory against Germany, will go
down in the history books. It was just such a
special moment and he was a part of it. So
(22:36):
for him to now be the face of San Diego,
it's just so special for fans on both sides of
the border.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
As we just listened, and you know, one of the
things I love too is just also just watching him
on the field, right, Like there's no doubt about it
how popular this player is. But when you see some
of the stuff that he does in training, when you
see some of the stuff, a little bit of the
dirty work, you don't know, right, this is a guy
that's want a PSB. This is a guy that's wanted Napoli,
Like is he is he going to be bigger, perhaps
(23:02):
than than an MLS club is actually themselves, But it's
never appeared that way.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
But here's what I want to know.
Speaker 7 (23:09):
Can we get some clarification on the nickname Choky because.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
I know we keep talking about it, but I would
like this what we did.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
We're here to serve there and stick around and find
out I'm behind the floor.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
Welcome back and you're joining us.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Mid interview, as we continue our conversation with Irving Losano
aka Chucky, let's revisit by asking how Chucky Lolsano became Chucky.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
Yeah, Pachuka, so Irbin.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
Breaking it down that when he joined Pachuca at about
ten years of age, he was always pulling little pranks
on his teammates, trying to scare them, popping out from
under the bunk and the beds and just trying to
scare the crap out of his little teammates. So they're like, hey, Cam,
the chucky like, easy, chucky like. And it just started
from that point on.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
They said, you know what, We're gonna call you Chokey
from here on out because you're a little punk scarin us.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
So it stuck and that's the truth.
Speaker 6 (24:20):
And he likes it because in Mexican culture, nicknames it's
a love language. It's a term of endearment. You're being baptized,
you're being welcomed into the family. Sometimes you know they
were teasing you back in the day.
Speaker 5 (24:32):
When you were in school. But even then it was
out of love.
Speaker 6 (24:36):
It was them trying, you know, to find that unique
name that was gonna be just for you. That's just
so Mexican, and it so happens in sports that the
nickname becomes bigger than the player. He'll always be Chokey,
and here in San Diego that instantly connects fans back
to his roots in Pachuca and Mexico.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
I'm gonna let you in on a little Mexican secret
as to why we drop nicknames on people since we're kids,
since growing up.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
Because there are so many.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
Josees, so many Juan, so many Miguel's, so many have
the same freaking name.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
We have to come up with another, Like you know
so so that duh huh.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
So that day you pull up, you pull up to
I don't know, some school event and your mom made
you wear a white coat that day and you have
a black shirt. Come na, Pinca Travolta, and that's it.
You're Travolta from that day on because you look like
John Travolta.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
It just happens.
Speaker 3 (25:34):
It's just it's easier to remember somebody through a nickname
than their actual name because everybody has the same damn name,
at least, said my.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Neck of the Woods. That's what was weird for me
to have my name Adrian. My dad's name's Juan.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
You know my dat does names pulled video like, I
can't get more Mexican than the names of my family.
Then my mom said, nah, I'm changing the narrative. I'm
naming a Madrian. But then, growing up, I thought it
was a girl's name, so I was all upset about it.
I would have preferred Jose or Juan, then Adrian. Then
I grew into it, and I love it now. I'm
glad they didn't burn me out. But that's just the
nickname history. Why we drop nicknames on people, because sometimes
(26:06):
it's just hard to remember their names.
Speaker 6 (26:08):
Yes, he just did the box right there.
Speaker 5 (26:11):
It was perfect.
Speaker 7 (26:13):
I feel honored to have earned a nickname then from Adrian.
But I'm even looking at this roster and I'm thinking
now listening Takati, I'm thinking about all these different nicknames
for all these different players that I've heard through thirty
one matches this season, and all of a sudden, I
have complete clarity on what it is that Adrian has
been doing in the radio booth this entire Thank you
so much for explaining that.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
So finally, what does it mean to irving Losanos feeling
the Karino nothing but love to be part of Elamore
in San.
Speaker 5 (26:43):
Diego, the tennis in Sanjo.
Speaker 6 (26:49):
He and right there he says how proud he feels
to belong to San Diego and also how much it
is part of a responsibility to carry that responsibility of
representing the club, and he always tries to uphold that
with his performances and the way he carries himself on
and off the pitch. For him, it's been very beautiful.
(27:10):
It's different, and he's enjoying every moment and he continues
to be I mean, he hopes he can continue to
do it for many, many years. And right now, the
fact that they're doing great, that they're leading the West,
that they've had a good run, it just makes it
the more special. And it's been a very very beautiful
moment for them to experience together as a team, and
for him personally as well.
Speaker 3 (27:32):
That's chooky, proud, playful and carrying the affection of two
countries for fans in San Diego and Makiico. He's more
than assigning. He's been a symbol of what this club
is truly becoming now, from the pride of Chuki to
the pride of California. This weekend against San Jose, San
Diego has a chance to complete the sweep the Escobaston
(27:54):
with victories over every California team in its very first season.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
God, Dan Darren, what does this mean to you?
Speaker 7 (28:00):
Everything five and oh at MLS and I will chalk
up the Toolos one as well. I mean that's sixth,
that's Paja California. So listen, we don't think California is
the best date. We all know California is the best
date to say that you are the best club in
the best state. I think it's incredibly meaningful. I'm all
about it. I'm looking for the clean sweep against San
Jose coming up on Saturday night. I think it's a
(28:20):
really big deal to say that in your first season.
Speaker 6 (28:22):
Gotda talk about having bragging rights of California in season one,
year one, it's already been a historic year and you
can even get those rights and say, oh yeah, by
the way, we beat the defending champions, not ones by
twice against the Alley Galaxy, we beat LAFC twice, and
now we could also beat Sun Jose Earthquakes twice and
(28:45):
the Baja Cup.
Speaker 5 (28:46):
I mean, that's just amazing.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
I'll tell you what's amazing the lyrics, the prophetic lyrics
of the Chili Peppers. The sun may rise in the
eastern skies, but it settles in a final location, meaning
the West coast. Baby, that's where we're at. This is
where the sun sets. This is where the sun resides,
lives and cracks. Open US three and watch you San
Diego FC. Now let's talk about predictions. Spredicksis, Darren Domis.
I'm going to start with you because you've been nailing
(29:09):
them up late.
Speaker 7 (29:10):
Go ahead, Well, I think they have to win this one.
The results at Snapdragon Stadium haven't been great, and I'm
not saying they have to win it like it's a
must win when you're sitting on top of the Western
Conference standings, but to be able to break those expansion
records for wins in points at home against another club
from the state of California, to complete the clean sweep,
and also knowing that you're playing away over the next
couple of weeks, I think you just want to play
(29:31):
your final regular season match at Snapdragon Stadium. And leave
with a good taste in your mouth. Over the last
six one win at Snapdragon Stadium, Mikey has talked time
and time again about building a fortress. We're going to
be hosting playoff games, so I want to leave on
a high note. So I think it's going to be
a big one on Saturday Night. I'm going to say
three to one in favor of the Chromoozuli.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
Got youa Fredicks June throwing your Walter Mercado.
Speaker 6 (29:56):
Coat, throwing my Walter Mercado coat. I think as EFC,
we'll do it again, especially at home. It's going to
be a very special moment and they're going to get
that win. Even though the Earthquakes won the last game,
but it was against Houston and we already know the
Dynamo struggles. But then before that they've been struggling. San
Jose allows a lot of goals and because of San
(30:17):
Diego's style of play, they did it once and they
can do it again.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
I'm gonna go with Hi.
Speaker 3 (30:23):
I'm Chuky Losano want to play let's go three nothing
San Diego FC.
Speaker 2 (30:28):
Chooky drops a hat trick just to give all.
Speaker 3 (30:30):
The Gadino back to the finest City and everybody in
the borderlands.
Speaker 2 (30:33):
How about those apples. I like that.
Speaker 7 (30:35):
Good vibes, good vibes from behind the floor. I do
appreciate that. Let's get it going.
Speaker 6 (30:39):
They gave up three to Austin, they gave up four
to LAFC, they gave up three to Saint Louis City,
so now they're going to give up three more to Chuky.
Speaker 2 (30:50):
That's it. Three more a Choky.
Speaker 3 (30:51):
Three assists by one on, two assists by and there's
one by jumping. I'll take that kind of afternoon, and
I like that kind of party. So from Vaka Cup
to the Kiss Spanic Heritage Night celebration, San Diego's Mexican
heartbeat is undeniable and you heard it all here and
with Juki Losano at the center of it all, this
club already feels bigger than football itself. It's about culture,
(31:13):
it's about identity, it's about pride on both sides of
the border, and we feel it, we express it here
on behind the flowing and it's always a pleasure to
work with two of the best that understand this. Katia
Castorina Darren Smith. Again, thank you, this was a great show.
This was fun.
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Well.
Speaker 7 (31:28):
Thank you, and I just want to say, Katia, please
have a little bit of Pankonjamon for me since you're
in Barcelona and I eat that every single meal, and
Adrian stay golden.
Speaker 6 (31:38):
Thank you, brother will do most definitely that sounds like
a good dinner actually, so thank you.
Speaker 3 (31:45):
Oh, thank you Irisano, thank you Katia, thank you.
Speaker 2 (31:49):
Darren, and thank all of you for listening.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
You have once again been dipped in chrome and a
sweet I'm Adrian Garcia Marquez.
Speaker 2 (31:58):
See you next time.
Speaker 5 (32:01):
Attempt attempt
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