August 7, 2025 • 44 mins
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 moments so far.
Plus, CEO Tom Penn reflects on the emotion of opening night — and why he was more than ready for those chants echoing through Snapdragon Stadium.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Hello, I'm Adrian Garcia Marquez.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Now you're probably used to an episode starting like this.
In February twenty twenty five, San Diego FC became the
thirtieth team to enter Major League Soccer, now the biggest
professional football league on the planet. But San Diego isn't
just another expansion club. Oh hey, man, oh man. Will
we write about that? But before I tell you what
(00:33):
this new show is all about. For those of you
joining us for the first time, here's where we're at.
In episodes one to ten, we explored the origin story
of San Diego Football Club, going behind the scenes documentary
style following the club's final months in their race to
field a team for their first ever season in MLS.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Here's a taste, ladies and gentlemen.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the thirtieth
team Major League Soccer has been granted to the city
of San Diego. Tom Vernon called me and he said, well,
we want to bring right to Dream to America.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
It is difficult to be honest because this is unlike
anything I've ever done before, where I'm building it all
at once.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
Football and soccer is in our blood for.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
Them, trying to build not just a squad, but an
organization from scratch.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
You have a really fierce learning curve to.
Speaker 5 (01:21):
Navigate the beautiful mountains. It's just meant to be played on.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Our experts in construction.
Speaker 6 (01:37):
Say, this is probably like a four year project being
done in one year.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
This is one I was looking for. Degree. Now I
know we have our karame. Now you only have one
chance to build this.
Speaker 4 (01:51):
You only have one chance to establish a culture.
Speaker 7 (01:53):
San Diego c formally introduced a Mexican soccer star, Herbie
Shooky Losana.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Okay, could we really make this work? Because maybe San Diego.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It is time down to fifty three minutes for those
of you are accounting.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
But the expansion draft begins right now.
Speaker 8 (02:10):
I can tell you that the passion in San Diego
is on parallels to.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Anywhere I have been in the US.
Speaker 9 (02:20):
I think the main problem is groups not being able
to work together.
Speaker 10 (02:26):
Maybe some people don't lighting each other, but so well, man,
let's just put that to the sighting and work together.
Speaker 11 (02:35):
It's an amazing feeling to see that while we all
have differences, we're gonna band together. We're gonna do.
Speaker 12 (02:41):
This great support one hundred and twenty miles from San
Diego to l let's give it away.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
All right. So that was then, but.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
From now on we're gonna do it a little bit different.
For the rest of the season. We are gonna follow
the story as it unfolds on the pitch, diving in deep,
week by week into the heart of San Diego FC.
You're gonna hear from people shaping the journey, the owners,
the club staff, the players, and of course the fans.
So lock in, buckle up, get ready, follow behind the
(03:22):
flow as we see where this incredible first season will
end up. Coming up in today's show, we're gonna take
you back back to the unforgettable home opener. We're also
gonna be breaking down San Diego FC's magical season, Yes,
(03:43):
magical season so far, and you're gonna hear our exclusive
chat with the Metal Metal the Club CEO, Tom Penn.
Here's a little Probata. I was full of.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Joy and wonder and awe and really excitement.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
So I won't be alone on this behind the Flow journey.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
I'm going to be joined.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
By two caracks, absolute cracks that understand the importance of
soccer in San Diego. First and foremost, Katia Castorna, you
probably know her from ESPN, ESPN de Porte's brilliant job
as a reporter nationwide, worldwide. And Darren Smith, who is
also well renowned Excellent Radio Coast Excellent just reported across
(04:27):
the board and somebody who's been fighting for football in
the six one nine for a long long time, and
they're both going to join me here.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
I'm behind the flow, Katya. Let's start with you.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Just kind of give us a little bit about, you know,
the background first, being Benita too, behind the flow and
what this means to you, what San Diego football means
to you, being somebody born and raised in the area.
Speaker 11 (04:45):
Gess, yes, Adrien, Darren, it's my pleasure to be with
you guys, for everyone listening. I was born in San Diego.
I grew up there in the border between Tijuana and
San Diego. We know it's something very unique there and
of course the soccer was always a part of it.
I played talker growing up in Tijuana, then also in
San Diego, going to some of those co ed leagues
(05:07):
in El Cahoon, and it reminds me a lot because
I got to experience when I was in high school
when sholos came about, and also getting the Lega MX
in Tijuana at the start of that and now seeing
it as well in San Diego. Man, it's been a
dream come true, for sure.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
It has.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
It's been like that for so many people born and
raised in the area and some of the people that
are transplants to the area that are now honorary San
Diegan's and I could say that he's invited to that
car masala at all times. Darren Smith, what has this
battle been like for you being a major proponent for
professional soccer in San Diego now to be part of
San Diego FC officially and doing the job that you
(05:47):
do with me on the air as the analyst for
the team on radio.
Speaker 7 (05:51):
Adrian, You're right, it's something that there's been different versions
of professional football in the area. It's been incredibly rewarding,
not only to sit there next you and feel your passion, Adrian,
but also just to see it weekend, week out, watching
this thing grow from the ground up. It's been an
absolute blast. And twenty years of being on local radio
(06:12):
trying to convince people that this was going to be
a thing, it's it's it's really validating to see it,
to see how far it's come in such a short
amount of time.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
And it's going to be great to have you guys
with us here on the front lines as well, just
talking San Diego FC football as we move into Stage two,
which is the second half to the latter half of
the season.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
After a brilliant first half.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
In season one of our Behind the Flow podcast, we
left you at the end of our very first match
away to raining MLS champions La Galaxy, and a lot
has happened since then. San Diego's win at La Galaxy
on opening night, Yeah, no one saw that coming. They
(06:57):
blew them apart and became only the second expansion team
in recent MLS history to win their debut match.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
And it's over.
Speaker 13 (07:07):
An opening night mighty for us and.
Speaker 6 (07:11):
San Diego at c and Honors Dryer have announced their
arrival in Major League Soccer.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
Then came a huge moment, san Diego's first ever game.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
At the snap Dragon.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
Over thirty four thousand fans packed in to create a
record breaking atmosphere as we faced Saint Louis.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
The result a solid draw and a beautiful night.
Speaker 14 (07:38):
It's okay, we'll come harder next time for sure. Even
this gi I go happy to be honest and more
than I can win.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Next, it was back on the road to Salt Lake
City and another statement win three one. San Diego was
showing they weren't just here for the occasion.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
We are here to go toe to toe with the best.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
A draw and a loss, and it was then time
for LA at home of five goal thrilling.
Speaker 9 (08:05):
Lead for the first time at home.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
Mucho drama, and San Diego edged it three to two.
That felt like a defining moment. April April is forgettable,
tough buy. Three losses on the bounce tested the squad's resolved,
but they bounced back with a brilliant May, unbeaten, free
flowing and full of gold. Big wins came against Dallas
(08:34):
Colorado and yes, another sweet victory over the LA Galaxy.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
June and July have kept the energy very high, and.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
At the halfway mark, San Diego sit the top of
the Western Conference, the third best ever start for an
expansion side in Major League Soccer history, And if you
ask the fans, this is just beginning now.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
The expectations have ramped up.
Speaker 10 (08:56):
I'm an Asian fan here and you always wonder how
many years you have to see your team win a championship.
Speaker 7 (09:01):
So I would be over the moon.
Speaker 13 (09:02):
If we could pull this off.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
What a ride it has been so far, So got
I want to start with you, what has been your
highlight so far this season from San Diego WEFC.
Speaker 11 (09:15):
Seeing the fans that has been my highlight, also because
I've had the opportunity to cover games here in LA,
to cover games around the league for the past few
years in MLS, and honestly, the way they are so
into the game, they're playing their part, and that has
something that has stood out to me because I've seen
it at other stadiums where people are not as used
(09:36):
to going to soccer games. They're still learning. You see
a lot of families, but here you see a fan
base that it's from soccer, from football. San Diego is
a soccer city, and you see it the way they
whistle and yell at the referee and are so invested
throughout the ninety minutes making it a homestand and the
(09:58):
way that you want pressure the opponents whenever they come
to Snap Dragon, And that has been the highlight for
me every time I get to be there.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
When did it get real in the building where somebody's like, oh,
I got there, what's what's going on over there in
the finest City.
Speaker 11 (10:11):
Everyone was very interested. It was very curious to know
more about it, know how that was going to work,
how they were going to build this team Southern California
rivalry that might be born against ELIEFC and Elie Galaxy
and having another team in California. So definitely we were
talking about it, and people were asking questions, and.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
They were asking questions, and in fact, Darren, I know
you and I received a lot of those questions throughout
the season, just people were curious, like, Hey, something special,
Bru and I know that Apple TV guys would come
to town and they'll come in and ask us really quick,
and who were they asking about?
Speaker 1 (10:42):
Hey, what's up with that number ten guys? Who's that on?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
There's Dyer cat Well, you know they were all impressed
and blown away. And Darren, you've had plenty of opportunities
to talk to and there's Dyer on multiple occasions. You've
addressed that combination with Hukilosano and everything that he's told you.
It seems like every time he's he's all about team,
he's all about making other guys better.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
He doesn't think about himself. He thinks about others.
Speaker 7 (11:05):
First, when you try to familiarize yourself with players like
Anders who maybe you weren't too familiar with, and he's
coming on in here and he's requesting the number ten,
you start looking up some of the highlights that you
can find online. And you can find a lot of
this on YouTube. So how are the YouTube clips normally
put together? They're put together by highlights of guys scoring
bangers goals from all over the pitch, right, But what
(11:27):
we didn't really see was how good of a passer
he was. And to be leading Major League Soccer in
assists is such a testament to the kind of player
in person he is. That he didn't just come into
this league having played European football thinking I'm going to
go in there and I'm going to boss this league around.
He came in and said, no, no, I'm going to
go in there and use my skills to make us
(11:47):
a better club. But I would say there is so
many more dimensions to what it is that Anders Dryer does.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
And one other element I want to throw in there,
and Darren I'll start with you is Yepet Dersko. You're
talking about the three All Stars representing San Diego FC
perfectly for everything they do on and off the field
and understanding what their role is in year one with
this organization. And the quietest one might be the greatest
leader they have on this team, which is YEP. But
(12:15):
Derskoff who was named captain above two players that are
captains for their national teams in any and Patty McNair.
Speaker 7 (12:22):
That tells you everything, doesn't it you hear you have
Honeybugadoy who's played more games for his country Panama than
anybody else and he is the captain of the Panamanian squad.
And you have somebody in Patty McNair who's the captain
of the Northern Ireland squad and who was voted captain
in a club in a locker room full of players
(12:43):
who could fit the bill, it was it was Jepe.
And you know, I think the thing I've learned is,
you know, we knew that players can come over from
Europe other parts of the world and they could be successful.
They can score, they can assist, they can do a
lot of things right that make it to the highlights.
But there haven't been a lot of players like YEP
who have come over here who have just been so technical.
That's why to me, of all the All Stars that
(13:05):
were named, and I mean it's respectfully towards Chuki and
towards Anders and everybody else who made the MLS All
Star roster, but I just thought it was so smart
and so savvy from the people that make the decisions
to make sure that Yepe was a part of that.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
But if you were going to hand out a mid
season award to somebody or a couple of players from
what you've seen so far this season, who would you
give it to?
Speaker 1 (13:25):
And what's that situation or what's behind that.
Speaker 11 (13:27):
When we're talking about the MVPs of this first half
of the season for San Diego, f seed has to
be Unders, Dryers and Jeppy. We're seeing the stats, it's
like when San Diego scores first, they keep that lead
and if they're behind for whatever reason, and the second
half they're also always find a way to come back.
And I feel because of that Iq, because of that leadership,
(13:48):
because of what we're talking about, his personality, Jeppy is
the guy, and also Dryers because of the numbers, but
the way he is, and that's where San Diego FC
did a great job scouting these players, bringing them along
and we're seeing the impact now on the field.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
So we had a beautiful breakdown as to what we've
seen so far and what has jumped out at us.
But we're getting excited, we're getting ahead of ourselves. Things
are flowing so well. The state of flow is so
brilliant right now that we kind of want to focus
on that. But let's take you back today one San Diego,
the finest city. When we come back, we're going to
relive the home opener. Welcome back now. I'm going to
(14:42):
take you back in time to March first, twenty twenty five.
The moment had finally arrived. San Diego FC are about
to play their first ever home game in Major League Soccer.
Excitement is building across the city. There's still hours to
go before kickoff, but fans are already making their way
to the stadium. Fans like Eddie got to see it.
Speaker 10 (15:10):
So my name is Eric Garcia. I'm with Travels from
Terra Ultras, one of the supporter groups, and I'm on
the trolley green line going to our first home game.
We're so so excited, we couldn't all sleep last night
and we're just so pumped to be here.
Speaker 13 (15:24):
We had a.
Speaker 10 (15:25):
Great taste of what we were going to encounter today
from last week's game at La Galaxy against the Carson.
So as you know, you may have heard there was
about ten buses that went up there. The atmosphere was amazing,
and that's imagine that's an away game.
Speaker 13 (15:42):
And now here we are at home.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
We step off of the trolley and straight into the
chaos of the Tao game, music, Blair, flags flying, and
hundreds of fans already deep into the park.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
The energy is electric.
Speaker 13 (15:58):
My name is Matthew Bouse.
Speaker 4 (16:00):
I am the president of Riptides and also on the
Union Council. We are at the bondap Block party. It
is a thousand flags that looks like up in the air,
tents risen up, all branded and chaos like no other.
We have people coming from Montana, we have people coming
(16:20):
all the way from Italy to come and be a
part of this. It's just so fabulous to know that
the city came together and the city put it all
on the line to make sure this could happen.
Speaker 10 (16:34):
So sorry, I got chocked up, Vanessa Behata know and
I'm a Riptide, but we're still on the high from
the wind last week.
Speaker 13 (16:43):
The supporters are ready to make that noise.
Speaker 11 (16:45):
We're ready to support our team. We've got the love
for the city that we live in. It's been a
long time coming, from the time that the team was
announced to standing right here, you know, and the supporters Telgate.
Speaker 13 (16:59):
You know we're ready.
Speaker 15 (17:01):
My name is Red me On with the Chiles Fronte Altras.
I'm excited. I've been waiting for this day my whole life.
My hope for today and for every game is for
San DIEGOFC to give it their maximum. I don't care
if it's a win, lose draw. I just want them
to play their heart out. I want them to play
for us, just like how we sing for them in
(17:21):
the stands.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
While the festivities continue outside the stadium, inside up in
the stands, supporter groups are setting up their drums and flags,
ready to bring the noise. Here's Oliver Rodez of Daego
Boys getting ready for the big match.
Speaker 16 (17:37):
Right now, we're in the North end. We're in the
supporter section, section one thirty eight here at Snapdragon Stadium.
We've boten the suppers of this club. We've just been
a part of it for so long. Stay with Boys
since nineteen oh four, twenty eighteen. So just being able
to represent this city on a grand stage like this
on MLS is just something super special for us.
Speaker 13 (17:54):
Hi.
Speaker 17 (17:55):
Yes, my name is Sharon Famos from the Suquon Band
of the commun Nation, and we are at the firstficial
home game at the San Diego POA. Being part of
the tribe and being part of the founding of this
whole conception of idea and this concept in this company
and this energy of the team, there are almost no words.
I lost my voice in La against It, La Ylexy.
(18:16):
I cried, I left, and I shared huns with my
travel members and people that are part of this organization,
whether it's employees and players and teammates and family. It's
this is suchial a moment's education. But as you can hear,
behind us, San Diego's behind us too.
Speaker 5 (18:33):
We are so super provinces.
Speaker 13 (18:39):
I'm Steven Gilmour.
Speaker 15 (18:41):
We are in Section one thirty three, field level, ready
for the events to.
Speaker 5 (18:46):
Begin, looking up Mohammed Mansur, the owner of the club.
Speaker 2 (18:52):
The stands are full, the opening ceremony is done, and
now it's time for kickoff.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
These nights are special.
Speaker 6 (19:04):
Often they are the ones that clubs and their supporters
remember forever when they only happen once San Diego I
sees best ever em less home matches underway from snap
Dragon Stadium prior to the near post cartel there, Ryer
will have another chance. Whips this one in Kessler there
(19:27):
this time.
Speaker 7 (19:28):
Looked like chucken Lsano grabbed his hamstring when he turned a.
Speaker 6 (19:32):
Lot of action on the bench, including towards the San
Diego substitutes.
Speaker 1 (19:36):
And this is a worry for San Diego FC.
Speaker 6 (19:38):
There superstar, the face of their franchise, irving to beat
Losano hobbling.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
A bit Bandia's bulleting comes on now for Chucken Lozano.
Speaker 9 (19:52):
Oh good joy on the post, Hurky made the same.
It took everyone surprised and have made it to kadoy.
And it's halftime, scoreless with Saint Louis.
Speaker 6 (20:05):
City nil nil after forty five minutes.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
It's halftime. Let's check back in with Vanessa.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
You know we're at.
Speaker 5 (20:17):
Zero zero, but the energy in the supporter section is ridiculous,
Like we.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Are mass capacity.
Speaker 12 (20:27):
We've got people squeezing into the rows.
Speaker 11 (20:30):
We've got flack fly, We've got people at the top
bunch stuff like it is hard to move.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
This is what we wanted, you know.
Speaker 11 (20:37):
We just got to keep that energy going for the
second half.
Speaker 6 (20:44):
Second half now underway, San Diego and Saint Louis.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
Level after forty five scoreless.
Speaker 9 (20:52):
Dryer floating it back post knocked heart said it was
there and it's over.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
Willie back to McVeigh.
Speaker 6 (21:04):
They've gotta have submergency and it's the final whistle.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
It ended in a drug but it felt like so
much more.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
We caught up with one fan who was already buzzy
for the next game, Anthony.
Speaker 13 (21:19):
He and his rest not dragon. It was pretty good,
you know that, Joky.
Speaker 14 (21:23):
When the substitute went going out, I think it did
affect us, but it's okay.
Speaker 13 (21:27):
We'll come harder next time for sure.
Speaker 14 (21:29):
Even this tie, I go happy, to be honest, it's
more like a win from next game.
Speaker 13 (21:34):
We were thinking of going over there to Salt Lake City.
Speaker 14 (21:37):
I believe that's our next game, so we're gonna have
a couple of.
Speaker 13 (21:40):
Guys going out there for sure.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
O A love.
Speaker 13 (21:43):
The team can't go by itself.
Speaker 1 (22:06):
So that's where it all began.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
Brings back so many memories, guys, to that amazing first night,
amazing to hear the fans just happy to be there,
riding the high off of that win against the Galaxy,
and then not disappointed with the home draw. Realistic expectations
from a lot of fans. They said, you know what, win, lose, draw,
We're just happy to see this all be here. No
one could have foreseen what kind of season we were
(22:30):
gonna end up having after that first home opener, after
winning at Galaxy. Guys and Darren, I'll start with you, buddy,
it's been a roller coaster ride ever since that night.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
I think sometimes when you fly as close to the
sun as we do, you might have a tendency to
get too wrapped up in results. I had a little
bit inside of me like, oh, I know what it's like.
I work in mass media. Not everybody loves football, not
everybody likes it, and I always like, oh, yeah, great,
a scoreless draw. So I thought we'd have to deal
with a little bit of that. But when I walked
(23:02):
out into the parking lot after that match and I
had friends there were like, we were so entertained. They
still dominated that match. Top of my head is like
seventy thirty possession, fourteen two shots. They totally dominated Saint Louis,
and people were happy, the sense of occasion the night itself,
and nobody felt let down because there was a scoreless draw.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
And god to I mean, thirty four thousand plus in
the building. It shows you how long San Diego was
waiting for Major League soccer to arrive.
Speaker 11 (23:32):
Was unbelievable, and even though it was a scoreless draw,
not the result that everybody wanted. The alarms went off
when Chuqui Losano had to exit the game, and of
course for our market, and when we were trying to
gather the information know what was happening. I remember I'm
like running up and down, especially after the game, trying
to get the official statement, what's going to happen, how
is he doing? How long will he be out for doing?
(23:54):
You know, all the reporting after the game, we do
have to talk about maybe a little bit about but
it did happen with that sector of fans doing the
homophobic chant, and we don't want to generalize, but that
was something that did stain a little bit of the celebration.
Speaker 1 (24:10):
And you're so right, Gota.
Speaker 2 (24:11):
It shocked me the moment I heard it up in
the booth, and this is something that should be addressed
was addressed now. Just to remind listeners, during the second
half of that game, a homophobic slur was heard being
chanted from different sections of the stadium.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
It happened like three times.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
Each one of those times it was because Saint Louis
goalkeeper was prepared to just goalkick. And we know that
that's exactly when it always seems to happen. Sadly, we've
heard it before and you'd never want to hear it,
but on opening night, in a historic sellout, first kind
of game, it was really shocking.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
It did stain a beautiful night.
Speaker 11 (24:51):
It's a soccer city, it's a demanding crowd. They want goals,
but that obviously does not excuse the behavior. It was
only a sector of fans. Unfortunately, as we've seen in
Mexico national teams games, the fans starts using it as
a way of protesting when.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
They don't get things their way. Yep, yeah, when.
Speaker 11 (25:09):
Things don't go their way, when the goals aren't falling,
So that's when they start doing it. And also the
beers come into play after a lot of hours of
tailgating and they know they shouldn't do it.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
But Darren I know on the moment you and I
in the broadcast, we both just kind of looked at
each other in shock, like of all the things, no,
not this, I.
Speaker 7 (25:29):
Know, and I think we've all been in a stadium
where this has happened, and we all have experience talking
about this. I had the dimensions of the field committed
to memory. I knew what kind of grass they had, like,
I was prepared and over prepared for talking about just
everything and anything. But when that goalkick happened, I remember
(25:50):
looking at Adrian, and Adrian looked at me, and we
sort of looked and thought, what are we supposed to
do here? Because I think our microphones probably pay that.
I can see both of our hamster wheels turning trying
to figure out what we were supposed to.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
Do about it.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
On the radio, Yeah, and the club move quickly on that.
There were announcements over the stadium PA.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
I heard them.
Speaker 2 (26:12):
We were all still in shock when we were listening
to the PA announcer tell everybody it happened straight after
the whistle and then San Diego FC. I knew they
were going to react strongly and provide a statement condemning
the chant, with head coach Mikey bought us leading that
response in his post match comments. Let's take a listen.
Speaker 13 (26:31):
The chant that was.
Speaker 8 (26:32):
Hurt tonight is unacceptable. It's outside of our values system.
It doesn't represent the players, myself, the club, and it
certainly doesn't represent San Diego or Baja California. It's not
a reflection of who we are. We're a community full
of love, support and we believe in the power of diversity,
and I just want to make it really clear, it
has no place here.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
Well, most of the time we've seen teams scramble, organizations, FIFA, anybody.
They've scrambled to deal with this situation. But it felt
like San Diego FC was ready for the moment and
they rose to the occasion. We spoke to San Diego
f C CEO Tom Ben to break this all down
and the lessons learned in the early weeks of the season.
(27:12):
We'll catch you on the way back. Welcome back to
Behind the Flow. We're now joined by Tom Penn, CEO
of San Diego FC, to look back on that historic,
(27:36):
beautiful home opener and everything that it meant for the club,
the city, and of course the future. All right, Tom,
we'll welcome to Behind the Flow. Team at the top
of the West. I mean saying it out loud. It
feels beautiful, it feels great, unexpected. Tom, Are you maybe
(28:01):
thinking you guys are ahead of schedule here?
Speaker 1 (28:02):
I think a little bit on results.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
We wanted to get established in our habits, our practices,
our commitment to the way we play and who we
play and win in with you thall that, and I'd say, yes,
we are ahead of schedule if you go through each
of those buckets so far.
Speaker 1 (28:22):
But it could go.
Speaker 3 (28:24):
Bad at any moment without warning. That's how it works.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
That's the nature of Major League Soccer. But let's go back.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
Let's go down memory lane here real quick and kind
of just recount some of those memories. Take us back
to that very first matches Snapdragon, and what went through
your mind when you first saw the team come out
of the tunnel. You're there after everything that you guys
did to building in such a record time, and then
you finally see it happening there the very first match
(28:52):
at the Murph Dragon.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
All right, I'll take you right to where I was.
Speaker 3 (28:56):
I was physically down on the pitch at the tunnel,
and I was with the commissioner and with mister Mansour
and with Cody Martinez, and we were all within sort
of eyeshot earshot, and the focus had been on the
flow moment with Manny Machado out there, so that had
(29:18):
just happened, and then I turned and here comes the team.
The truth of the matter is, Adrian, I was trying
to get people.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
Out of the way. There were so many of us
down there.
Speaker 3 (29:28):
Everybody brought a posse, and we didn't do a good
job of clearing the tunnel. So all of a sudden,
I look and the players are marching, and it was
a little bit more like, WHOA, everybody out of the way.
That's not the spirit of what you were asking. The
spirit of what you were asking was. I was full
of joy and wonder and awe and really excitement.
Speaker 2 (29:51):
It was absolutely special. I mean, there had to have
been so many things happening to make it goal as
right as it did.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
It was a lot more than the game.
Speaker 3 (29:59):
When you have the commissioner come, When Sir Mohammed Mansour
comes and he brought I don't know, seventy five guests something.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
Like that, it was a lot.
Speaker 3 (30:10):
You know, our operations team just did a fantastic job
making sure everything went smoothly right up to our first
extra time party after the match, you know, the the
after hours party on the piers.
Speaker 1 (30:22):
All that went really smoothly.
Speaker 3 (30:24):
And of course the you know, the game was really
exciting and one goal shy of being a dream night.
Speaker 2 (30:31):
Obviously, we have to address an elephant in the room
during that evening. The chant kind of just it appeared,
but I got to say it. You know, I think
the way that you guys addressed it, it was it
was something to see because it was just it may
have caught and cut you guys off guard.
Speaker 3 (30:47):
Yeah, cut us on guard. Actually, we were worried about this.
I had personal experience with this from my opening day
at LAFC nearly a decade earlier. It was a bit
of a sad deja vu because at LAFC I was
in our owner's box and it caught us off guard there,
(31:08):
and I remember the commissioner was by my side and
looked at me and said, fix it. You know, it's
been around so long, Adrian and such a scourge and
a challenge.
Speaker 1 (31:17):
It just keeps coming back.
Speaker 3 (31:19):
And in this case, we had pre planned and thought
about how we would handle it, but it the intensity
of it and the UH and how broadly it came
out was what was surprising to me. And in this case,
the commissioner was in the suite, not next to me,
but like a little bit away, and he yelled at me, Hey, Tom.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
Fix it. You get that days aboo for real, you know.
Speaker 3 (31:43):
Immediately following the result, the key meeting was with Mikey
and Tyler when I went down to the locker room
and Mikey was really upset, and Mikey gave his talking
points what he planned to say when he went out
to the media, and it was for me perfect right.
They were giving our values in real time, under pressure,
without a script, and they nailed it. It's just sort
(32:06):
of embedded in all of us. That was a beautiful thing,
and that sent us on this direction to where we
were able to eradicate it. I'll say, for now, I
think there's a risk that it comes back in a
hyper intensive playoff game when their goalie is wasting time, right,
if we're down one nil or they're playing for a
draw or that kind of tension seems to bring it
(32:29):
out under pressure when the stakes are high.
Speaker 2 (32:32):
But credit also to the fans. They've listened, and I
think we've had nothing but amazing environments ever since. You know,
you said, and let's go to those special moments. I
think there's been quite a few so far. For an
expansion team, we can point to a lot of little milestones.
But for me, for example, that chokid O Sennel goal
against Galaxy as a broadcaster, tom I know that was
(32:54):
my favorite moment because it just happened organically. I'm just
in the broadcast and then I just going it right
in the moment, and then all of a sudden, it
felt like the north end, the whole stadium they went
into a chokilos and almost like is.
Speaker 1 (33:07):
If we master plan this.
Speaker 13 (33:16):
Took sing it.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
What has been your favorite the moment so far into this?
Oh wow, it would.
Speaker 3 (33:35):
Have probably been that the second goal at the Galaxy,
you know, opening night, ceiling that win and the way
that it happened on that transition play and Tommy's brilliant
pass and then Anders just hammering that thing.
Speaker 1 (33:50):
That was a moment of elation for me.
Speaker 16 (33:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (33:52):
And then the first home win against LAFC was fun,
you know, and the way that rivalries are earned not
just a sta you know, you gotta sort of do
something that's interesting for them, and I think we got
their attention right out.
Speaker 1 (34:06):
Of the shoot completely.
Speaker 2 (34:08):
The whole entire league turned around and said, wait a minute,
what are they doing there in the finest city.
Speaker 1 (34:12):
So now we're kind of closing this out. Tom.
Speaker 2 (34:15):
We get to the All Star Game and having three
All Stars, you know, and being there part of the festivities. Now,
after everything that you've done personally, they helped this team
grow and become the club that it is. And then
to have three All Stars, not one, not two, three
All Stars to validate absolutely everything you guys have done
on and off the field, because they are perfect examples
of what this club is on and off the field.
Speaker 1 (34:37):
That was great.
Speaker 3 (34:38):
Anders has been an MVP candidate, is in that discussion,
has performed game in, game out. Yepa is the rock, right,
I mean he is just rock solid, the captain El Capitan.
I mean, he is so solid. And then Choky is
the flair, the spice, the exclamation point, and I'm really
(35:01):
pleased that the commissioner made him his one of his
choices because Chuki had been hurt, right, so he in
and out of the lineup with these nagging little injuries,
but so spectacular when he's in and that meant a
lot because he's truly a star in the league and
the best should be yet to come, because these things
(35:23):
get forged when we're making a run for the Western
Conference Championship, when we're trying to get the supporters shield,
when we're going for the Cup and you need the
stars to shine and show up. We're still the new
kids on the block, but all credit goes to Tyler,
Mikey and all the players for their commitment to what
(35:47):
we're up to. Football wise, it's just been awesome.
Speaker 2 (35:50):
Well, we also have to give you some credit, you know,
Muhammed Mansua and everybody at Si Kwan, the Kumeyai band,
everybody that made this possible. Tumso congratulations and we look
forward to more chats like this here. I'm behind the
flow in Elfutua anytime. Well, as they say at San
Diego FC, what a guy. Definitely, Tom Penn, what a guy.
(36:14):
What an executive? The club is definitely in good hands
Darren Smith. I mean, what more can you ask from
a guy who's been asked to be an architect in
such a short period of time and helping put all
of this together with so much success.
Speaker 7 (36:28):
Yeah, I'm glad he's on our side now because even
something like having the experience with his time through Los
Angeles Football Club about what to do when you get
the chant on your opening match and not wanting it
to overshadow everything else that you've been building towards.
Speaker 1 (36:43):
I think it's great.
Speaker 7 (36:44):
But knowing that a guy like Tom put an action
in place where he had the Noah Qi not here,
it wasn't going to linger. He was gonna put an
end to this. This is how we're operating. Case closed,
and Katia.
Speaker 2 (36:59):
He was very, very proud of the way the organization
as a whole did what they did and how they
did it with regards to the chap but he was
also talking about how impressed he was just from the
building of the details like the chrome ball.
Speaker 1 (37:12):
He says, so cute.
Speaker 2 (37:13):
You talked about how money Machallo was an important element
to that and the connection that we saw in those
first couple of matches. We might even brought some Powdect
players over from spring training. Just those details of making
it all come to life.
Speaker 1 (37:25):
It was extra special.
Speaker 11 (37:27):
Year one. Everything's going to be a learning experience. I
love how quickly they came up with the celebration with
the colors, with a whole little protocol before the games,
with the chrome ball, with the guests. Once they turn
off those lights, you see the fireworks, you see the smoke,
and you see the whole light show. Man, it's amazing,
(37:47):
and you're just so invested from the get go in
just what it is to be there at snap Dragon Stadium.
Speaker 2 (37:54):
And Darren, we see it. The future is as bred
as at Chromeball it is.
Speaker 7 (37:58):
The sky is really the.
Speaker 2 (38:04):
All right, guys, So I'm gonna play a little kind
of game show with you right now. I got different doors,
all right. And this is with regards to San Diego
f c's participation right now.
Speaker 1 (38:12):
During League's Cup. Not looking good? What have we.
Speaker 2 (38:15):
Learned from these games after being knocked out after the
two home losses already, that's door number one, Door number two,
young inexperienced teams, We can touch that subject. You want
to talk about Dryer's red card, that's door number what three,
Door number four? The evidence of a tired squad injury
stacking up in door number five against DIGGT as we
saw the two new signings and David Basquez and Aaron
(38:37):
Karrangi both nineteen inexperience were thrown to the Wolves.
Speaker 1 (38:41):
How did they look?
Speaker 2 (38:43):
Gantia Costarina, I'll start with you door number one, two, three,
four or five?
Speaker 1 (38:47):
Which one do you want to hit?
Speaker 11 (38:48):
Door number four. This is the first time SANDEGOFC has
played meaningful matches outside of MLS, so this is still
part of that learning experience that year one means for
the team, I think in terms of conclusions out of
this when they've had games every three days, is that
the team has a character, the team has the foundation,
(39:10):
and we mention a lot about the style of play,
but that's the work that Mikey Vadas has been doing
throughout the year, and it shows. And even though we
saw mistakes that were costly and it's normal because it's
an inexperience and young team that is missing a lot
of guys, but we also saw a lot of positives.
So I feel like overall is just giving us good
(39:31):
sensations for what's to come in the season, because all
of these games are just going to give them more
tools of how to navigate the end of the season
elimination games if you want to advance.
Speaker 2 (39:43):
And those are great points, and Darren, let's go to
door number three here with you if we can, that
red card for Andres Dreyer causing more family feuds than
Steve Harvey.
Speaker 7 (39:53):
And they were the better side for the first twenty
twenty five minutes of that opening match, and then the
red card late as big a mistake as we'll see
from a young player or a veteran player, but all
of that was part of This is a different style
than what it is that we might be used to
seeing on a regular basis. So I think that's the
takeaway for me as well as be prepared for anything,
because just because you're not used to that in a
(40:15):
competitive environment doesn't mean that it might not rear its
head at some point again between now and the end
of the regular season or the postseason. That's a big
part of the sport, as we know, whether people love
it or hate it, room for both in the conversation.
But I just think the style that they definitely commented
on was something that I think they take away with
them from an experience standpoint moving forward.
Speaker 2 (40:37):
Absolutely, and I don't think that they were unsuccessful matches
despite the losses. There's a lot to learn from, a
lot to cut from. When it comes about you, you
show that resolve to get back in there and still
be fighting and then being and Dere's Dyer down and
without and Dere's Dyer against dagatas Data has kind of
had their way for a good part of the match.
In the latter part, but I did see a lot
of great moments. I saw a lot of good energy
(40:59):
coming from San Diego, in particular the two young reinforcements
with Kagi and then also with David Eboasquez. Let's talk
about League's Cup learning from that experience, everybody, all right,
I got their taste. It's fun to watch and it's
going to be enjoyable to see how it closes out.
Speaker 1 (41:14):
But for our sake, for.
Speaker 2 (41:15):
San Diego f c sake, the final city facing Sporting
Kansas City. You know they visited the snap Dragon back
in May. It was a pretty solid match, still a nothing,
nothing draw. What are we expecting? What are you expecting?
Start with you Kantia from San Diego FC, maybe getting
back onto the MLS road here and getting back to business.
Speaker 11 (41:37):
What I'm expecting is to see them use what they
learned from the League's Cup and it translating for that game,
especially when you're going to be away. I want to
see a team that it's going to be organized, a
team that it's going to be composed, and when it
comes to having a clean sheet like we saw in
that previous matchup that these two had, that would be
(41:57):
a win. So I'm hoping to see.
Speaker 2 (41:59):
That andre brutal schedule obviously, just coming off of that.
You know, three days you've got a game, a couple
of days you got a game. But when it comes
to Sporting Kansas City, they brought in, just like we've
brought in reinforcements, they brought in se Serramontes, Cachorro Montes's
brother Alan Montes, one of the reinforcements coming to the
fold for Sporting Kansas City. So we're gonna get a
chance to see him. But SKC has their idea of
(42:21):
receiving the finest city at Children's Mercy Park and having
no mercy and wanting a little bit of revenge here.
Speaker 7 (42:28):
Is there a better carrot on a stick than being
able to say, hey, the top team in the Western Conference,
we just picked up a result against them. I don't
think so. So you know, now we've talked a lot
about o SDFC has gone from being the hunters to
the hunt dead. That is a different mindset because you
know every time out he know you're going to get
their best shot, especially given where Sporting KC is at
(42:49):
this point on the outside again looking in the Western
Conference playoffs standings.
Speaker 2 (42:53):
Yeah, thirteenth place with ten games remaining, six points off
the pace to get in to a playoff position there
in the Western Conference. So guys, I think that this
is pretty good. On next week's show, we're gonna be
looking a little bit more, a little bit deeper into
the build of SDFC, They're strategy and how they're managing
(43:14):
their players' fitness. We'll also be looking at the transfer
window and what San Diego FC are doing to bring
in some reinforcements.
Speaker 1 (43:22):
This brings us.
Speaker 2 (43:23):
To the end of the new style of Behind the
Flow podcast. Thank you Tom Penn for taking time out
of your busy schedule to talk to us, and of
course thank you Kantia, and thank you Darren.
Speaker 11 (43:32):
Pleasure as always, thank you for having me. I'll do
my own little take. Stay happy, San Diego.
Speaker 7 (43:40):
And I would just say this is a pleasure anytime,
and it's an honor to be part of this club's history.
Speaker 2 (43:47):
Thank you for listening to this podcast. Make sure you
get behind the flow A follow wherever you listen to
your podcast. I'm Adrian Garcia Marcus. You've been dipped in
cromanesu
Hello, I'm Adrian Garcia Marquez.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Now you're probably used to an episode starting like this.
In February twenty twenty five, San Diego FC became the
thirtieth team to enter Major League Soccer, now the biggest
professional football league on the planet. But San Diego isn't
just another expansion club. Oh hey, man, oh man. Will
we write about that? But before I tell you what
(00:33):
this new show is all about. For those of you
joining us for the first time, here's where we're at.
In episodes one to ten, we explored the origin story
of San Diego Football Club, going behind the scenes documentary
style following the club's final months in their race to
field a team for their first ever season in MLS.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Here's a taste, ladies and gentlemen.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the thirtieth
team Major League Soccer has been granted to the city
of San Diego. Tom Vernon called me and he said, well,
we want to bring right to Dream to America.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
It is difficult to be honest because this is unlike
anything I've ever done before, where I'm building it all
at once.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
Football and soccer is in our blood for.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
Them, trying to build not just a squad, but an
organization from scratch.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
You have a really fierce learning curve to.
Speaker 5 (01:21):
Navigate the beautiful mountains. It's just meant to be played on.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Our experts in construction.
Speaker 6 (01:37):
Say, this is probably like a four year project being
done in one year.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
This is one I was looking for. Degree. Now I
know we have our karame. Now you only have one
chance to build this.
Speaker 4 (01:51):
You only have one chance to establish a culture.
Speaker 7 (01:53):
San Diego c formally introduced a Mexican soccer star, Herbie
Shooky Losana.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Okay, could we really make this work? Because maybe San Diego.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It is time down to fifty three minutes for those
of you are accounting.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
But the expansion draft begins right now.
Speaker 8 (02:10):
I can tell you that the passion in San Diego
is on parallels to.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Anywhere I have been in the US.
Speaker 9 (02:20):
I think the main problem is groups not being able
to work together.
Speaker 10 (02:26):
Maybe some people don't lighting each other, but so well, man,
let's just put that to the sighting and work together.
Speaker 11 (02:35):
It's an amazing feeling to see that while we all
have differences, we're gonna band together. We're gonna do.
Speaker 12 (02:41):
This great support one hundred and twenty miles from San
Diego to l let's give it away.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
All right. So that was then, but.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
From now on we're gonna do it a little bit different.
For the rest of the season. We are gonna follow
the story as it unfolds on the pitch, diving in deep,
week by week into the heart of San Diego FC.
You're gonna hear from people shaping the journey, the owners,
the club staff, the players, and of course the fans.
So lock in, buckle up, get ready, follow behind the
(03:22):
flow as we see where this incredible first season will
end up. Coming up in today's show, we're gonna take
you back back to the unforgettable home opener. We're also
gonna be breaking down San Diego FC's magical season, Yes,
(03:43):
magical season so far, and you're gonna hear our exclusive
chat with the Metal Metal the Club CEO, Tom Penn.
Here's a little Probata. I was full of.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Joy and wonder and awe and really excitement.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
So I won't be alone on this behind the Flow journey.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
I'm going to be joined.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
By two caracks, absolute cracks that understand the importance of
soccer in San Diego. First and foremost, Katia Castorna, you
probably know her from ESPN, ESPN de Porte's brilliant job
as a reporter nationwide, worldwide. And Darren Smith, who is
also well renowned Excellent Radio Coast Excellent just reported across
(04:27):
the board and somebody who's been fighting for football in
the six one nine for a long long time, and
they're both going to join me here.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
I'm behind the flow, Katya. Let's start with you.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Just kind of give us a little bit about, you know,
the background first, being Benita too, behind the flow and
what this means to you, what San Diego football means
to you, being somebody born and raised in the area.
Speaker 11 (04:45):
Gess, yes, Adrien, Darren, it's my pleasure to be with
you guys, for everyone listening. I was born in San Diego.
I grew up there in the border between Tijuana and
San Diego. We know it's something very unique there and
of course the soccer was always a part of it.
I played talker growing up in Tijuana, then also in
San Diego, going to some of those co ed leagues
(05:07):
in El Cahoon, and it reminds me a lot because
I got to experience when I was in high school
when sholos came about, and also getting the Lega MX
in Tijuana at the start of that and now seeing
it as well in San Diego. Man, it's been a
dream come true, for sure.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
It has.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
It's been like that for so many people born and
raised in the area and some of the people that
are transplants to the area that are now honorary San
Diegan's and I could say that he's invited to that
car masala at all times. Darren Smith, what has this
battle been like for you being a major proponent for
professional soccer in San Diego now to be part of
San Diego FC officially and doing the job that you
(05:47):
do with me on the air as the analyst for
the team on radio.
Speaker 7 (05:51):
Adrian, You're right, it's something that there's been different versions
of professional football in the area. It's been incredibly rewarding,
not only to sit there next you and feel your passion, Adrian,
but also just to see it weekend, week out, watching
this thing grow from the ground up. It's been an
absolute blast. And twenty years of being on local radio
(06:12):
trying to convince people that this was going to be
a thing, it's it's it's really validating to see it,
to see how far it's come in such a short
amount of time.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
And it's going to be great to have you guys
with us here on the front lines as well, just
talking San Diego FC football as we move into Stage two,
which is the second half to the latter half of
the season.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
After a brilliant first half.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
In season one of our Behind the Flow podcast, we
left you at the end of our very first match
away to raining MLS champions La Galaxy, and a lot
has happened since then. San Diego's win at La Galaxy
on opening night, Yeah, no one saw that coming. They
(06:57):
blew them apart and became only the second expansion team
in recent MLS history to win their debut match.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
And it's over.
Speaker 13 (07:07):
An opening night mighty for us and.
Speaker 6 (07:11):
San Diego at c and Honors Dryer have announced their
arrival in Major League Soccer.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
Then came a huge moment, san Diego's first ever game.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
At the snap Dragon.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
Over thirty four thousand fans packed in to create a
record breaking atmosphere as we faced Saint Louis.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
The result a solid draw and a beautiful night.
Speaker 14 (07:38):
It's okay, we'll come harder next time for sure. Even
this gi I go happy to be honest and more
than I can win.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Next, it was back on the road to Salt Lake
City and another statement win three one. San Diego was
showing they weren't just here for the occasion.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
We are here to go toe to toe with the best.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
A draw and a loss, and it was then time
for LA at home of five goal thrilling.
Speaker 9 (08:05):
Lead for the first time at home.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
Mucho drama, and San Diego edged it three to two.
That felt like a defining moment. April April is forgettable,
tough buy. Three losses on the bounce tested the squad's resolved,
but they bounced back with a brilliant May, unbeaten, free
flowing and full of gold. Big wins came against Dallas
(08:34):
Colorado and yes, another sweet victory over the LA Galaxy.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
June and July have kept the energy very high, and.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
At the halfway mark, San Diego sit the top of
the Western Conference, the third best ever start for an
expansion side in Major League Soccer history, And if you
ask the fans, this is just beginning now.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
The expectations have ramped up.
Speaker 10 (08:56):
I'm an Asian fan here and you always wonder how
many years you have to see your team win a championship.
Speaker 7 (09:01):
So I would be over the moon.
Speaker 13 (09:02):
If we could pull this off.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
What a ride it has been so far, So got
I want to start with you, what has been your
highlight so far this season from San Diego WEFC.
Speaker 11 (09:15):
Seeing the fans that has been my highlight, also because
I've had the opportunity to cover games here in LA,
to cover games around the league for the past few
years in MLS, and honestly, the way they are so
into the game, they're playing their part, and that has
something that has stood out to me because I've seen
it at other stadiums where people are not as used
(09:36):
to going to soccer games. They're still learning. You see
a lot of families, but here you see a fan
base that it's from soccer, from football. San Diego is
a soccer city, and you see it the way they
whistle and yell at the referee and are so invested
throughout the ninety minutes making it a homestand and the
(09:58):
way that you want pressure the opponents whenever they come
to Snap Dragon, And that has been the highlight for
me every time I get to be there.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
When did it get real in the building where somebody's like, oh,
I got there, what's what's going on over there in
the finest City.
Speaker 11 (10:11):
Everyone was very interested. It was very curious to know
more about it, know how that was going to work,
how they were going to build this team Southern California
rivalry that might be born against ELIEFC and Elie Galaxy
and having another team in California. So definitely we were
talking about it, and people were asking questions, and.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
They were asking questions, and in fact, Darren, I know
you and I received a lot of those questions throughout
the season, just people were curious, like, Hey, something special,
Bru and I know that Apple TV guys would come
to town and they'll come in and ask us really quick,
and who were they asking about?
Speaker 1 (10:42):
Hey, what's up with that number ten guys? Who's that on?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
There's Dyer cat Well, you know they were all impressed
and blown away. And Darren, you've had plenty of opportunities
to talk to and there's Dyer on multiple occasions. You've
addressed that combination with Hukilosano and everything that he's told you.
It seems like every time he's he's all about team,
he's all about making other guys better.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
He doesn't think about himself. He thinks about others.
Speaker 7 (11:05):
First, when you try to familiarize yourself with players like
Anders who maybe you weren't too familiar with, and he's
coming on in here and he's requesting the number ten,
you start looking up some of the highlights that you
can find online. And you can find a lot of
this on YouTube. So how are the YouTube clips normally
put together? They're put together by highlights of guys scoring
bangers goals from all over the pitch, right, But what
(11:27):
we didn't really see was how good of a passer
he was. And to be leading Major League Soccer in
assists is such a testament to the kind of player
in person he is. That he didn't just come into
this league having played European football thinking I'm going to
go in there and I'm going to boss this league around.
He came in and said, no, no, I'm going to
go in there and use my skills to make us
(11:47):
a better club. But I would say there is so
many more dimensions to what it is that Anders Dryer does.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
And one other element I want to throw in there,
and Darren I'll start with you is Yepet Dersko. You're
talking about the three All Stars representing San Diego FC
perfectly for everything they do on and off the field
and understanding what their role is in year one with
this organization. And the quietest one might be the greatest
leader they have on this team, which is YEP. But
(12:15):
Derskoff who was named captain above two players that are
captains for their national teams in any and Patty McNair.
Speaker 7 (12:22):
That tells you everything, doesn't it you hear you have
Honeybugadoy who's played more games for his country Panama than
anybody else and he is the captain of the Panamanian squad.
And you have somebody in Patty McNair who's the captain
of the Northern Ireland squad and who was voted captain
in a club in a locker room full of players
(12:43):
who could fit the bill, it was it was Jepe.
And you know, I think the thing I've learned is,
you know, we knew that players can come over from
Europe other parts of the world and they could be successful.
They can score, they can assist, they can do a
lot of things right that make it to the highlights.
But there haven't been a lot of players like YEP
who have come over here who have just been so technical.
That's why to me, of all the All Stars that
(13:05):
were named, and I mean it's respectfully towards Chuki and
towards Anders and everybody else who made the MLS All
Star roster, but I just thought it was so smart
and so savvy from the people that make the decisions
to make sure that Yepe was a part of that.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
But if you were going to hand out a mid
season award to somebody or a couple of players from
what you've seen so far this season, who would you
give it to?
Speaker 1 (13:25):
And what's that situation or what's behind that.
Speaker 11 (13:27):
When we're talking about the MVPs of this first half
of the season for San Diego, f seed has to
be Unders, Dryers and Jeppy. We're seeing the stats, it's
like when San Diego scores first, they keep that lead
and if they're behind for whatever reason, and the second
half they're also always find a way to come back.
And I feel because of that Iq, because of that leadership,
(13:48):
because of what we're talking about, his personality, Jeppy is
the guy, and also Dryers because of the numbers, but
the way he is, and that's where San Diego FC
did a great job scouting these players, bringing them along
and we're seeing the impact now on the field.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
So we had a beautiful breakdown as to what we've
seen so far and what has jumped out at us.
But we're getting excited, we're getting ahead of ourselves. Things
are flowing so well. The state of flow is so
brilliant right now that we kind of want to focus
on that. But let's take you back today one San Diego,
the finest city. When we come back, we're going to
relive the home opener. Welcome back now. I'm going to
(14:42):
take you back in time to March first, twenty twenty five.
The moment had finally arrived. San Diego FC are about
to play their first ever home game in Major League Soccer.
Excitement is building across the city. There's still hours to
go before kickoff, but fans are already making their way
to the stadium. Fans like Eddie got to see it.
Speaker 10 (15:10):
So my name is Eric Garcia. I'm with Travels from
Terra Ultras, one of the supporter groups, and I'm on
the trolley green line going to our first home game.
We're so so excited, we couldn't all sleep last night
and we're just so pumped to be here.
Speaker 13 (15:24):
We had a.
Speaker 10 (15:25):
Great taste of what we were going to encounter today
from last week's game at La Galaxy against the Carson.
So as you know, you may have heard there was
about ten buses that went up there. The atmosphere was amazing,
and that's imagine that's an away game.
Speaker 13 (15:42):
And now here we are at home.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
We step off of the trolley and straight into the
chaos of the Tao game, music, Blair, flags flying, and
hundreds of fans already deep into the park.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
The energy is electric.
Speaker 13 (15:58):
My name is Matthew Bouse.
Speaker 4 (16:00):
I am the president of Riptides and also on the
Union Council. We are at the bondap Block party. It
is a thousand flags that looks like up in the air,
tents risen up, all branded and chaos like no other.
We have people coming from Montana, we have people coming
(16:20):
all the way from Italy to come and be a
part of this. It's just so fabulous to know that
the city came together and the city put it all
on the line to make sure this could happen.
Speaker 10 (16:34):
So sorry, I got chocked up, Vanessa Behata know and
I'm a Riptide, but we're still on the high from
the wind last week.
Speaker 13 (16:43):
The supporters are ready to make that noise.
Speaker 11 (16:45):
We're ready to support our team. We've got the love
for the city that we live in. It's been a
long time coming, from the time that the team was
announced to standing right here, you know, and the supporters Telgate.
Speaker 13 (16:59):
You know we're ready.
Speaker 15 (17:01):
My name is Red me On with the Chiles Fronte Altras.
I'm excited. I've been waiting for this day my whole life.
My hope for today and for every game is for
San DIEGOFC to give it their maximum. I don't care
if it's a win, lose draw. I just want them
to play their heart out. I want them to play
for us, just like how we sing for them in
(17:21):
the stands.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
While the festivities continue outside the stadium, inside up in
the stands, supporter groups are setting up their drums and flags,
ready to bring the noise. Here's Oliver Rodez of Daego
Boys getting ready for the big match.
Speaker 16 (17:37):
Right now, we're in the North end. We're in the
supporter section, section one thirty eight here at Snapdragon Stadium.
We've boten the suppers of this club. We've just been
a part of it for so long. Stay with Boys
since nineteen oh four, twenty eighteen. So just being able
to represent this city on a grand stage like this
on MLS is just something super special for us.
Speaker 13 (17:54):
Hi.
Speaker 17 (17:55):
Yes, my name is Sharon Famos from the Suquon Band
of the commun Nation, and we are at the firstficial
home game at the San Diego POA. Being part of
the tribe and being part of the founding of this
whole conception of idea and this concept in this company
and this energy of the team, there are almost no words.
I lost my voice in La against It, La Ylexy.
(18:16):
I cried, I left, and I shared huns with my
travel members and people that are part of this organization,
whether it's employees and players and teammates and family. It's
this is suchial a moment's education. But as you can hear,
behind us, San Diego's behind us too.
Speaker 5 (18:33):
We are so super provinces.
Speaker 13 (18:39):
I'm Steven Gilmour.
Speaker 15 (18:41):
We are in Section one thirty three, field level, ready
for the events to.
Speaker 5 (18:46):
Begin, looking up Mohammed Mansur, the owner of the club.
Speaker 2 (18:52):
The stands are full, the opening ceremony is done, and
now it's time for kickoff.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
These nights are special.
Speaker 6 (19:04):
Often they are the ones that clubs and their supporters
remember forever when they only happen once San Diego I
sees best ever em less home matches underway from snap
Dragon Stadium prior to the near post cartel there, Ryer
will have another chance. Whips this one in Kessler there
(19:27):
this time.
Speaker 7 (19:28):
Looked like chucken Lsano grabbed his hamstring when he turned a.
Speaker 6 (19:32):
Lot of action on the bench, including towards the San
Diego substitutes.
Speaker 1 (19:36):
And this is a worry for San Diego FC.
Speaker 6 (19:38):
There superstar, the face of their franchise, irving to beat
Losano hobbling.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
A bit Bandia's bulleting comes on now for Chucken Lozano.
Speaker 9 (19:52):
Oh good joy on the post, Hurky made the same.
It took everyone surprised and have made it to kadoy.
And it's halftime, scoreless with Saint Louis.
Speaker 6 (20:05):
City nil nil after forty five minutes.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
It's halftime. Let's check back in with Vanessa.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
You know we're at.
Speaker 5 (20:17):
Zero zero, but the energy in the supporter section is ridiculous,
Like we.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Are mass capacity.
Speaker 12 (20:27):
We've got people squeezing into the rows.
Speaker 11 (20:30):
We've got flack fly, We've got people at the top
bunch stuff like it is hard to move.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
This is what we wanted, you know.
Speaker 11 (20:37):
We just got to keep that energy going for the
second half.
Speaker 6 (20:44):
Second half now underway, San Diego and Saint Louis.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
Level after forty five scoreless.
Speaker 9 (20:52):
Dryer floating it back post knocked heart said it was
there and it's over.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
Willie back to McVeigh.
Speaker 6 (21:04):
They've gotta have submergency and it's the final whistle.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
It ended in a drug but it felt like so
much more.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
We caught up with one fan who was already buzzy
for the next game, Anthony.
Speaker 13 (21:19):
He and his rest not dragon. It was pretty good,
you know that, Joky.
Speaker 14 (21:23):
When the substitute went going out, I think it did
affect us, but it's okay.
Speaker 13 (21:27):
We'll come harder next time for sure.
Speaker 14 (21:29):
Even this tie, I go happy, to be honest, it's
more like a win from next game.
Speaker 13 (21:34):
We were thinking of going over there to Salt Lake City.
Speaker 14 (21:37):
I believe that's our next game, so we're gonna have
a couple of.
Speaker 13 (21:40):
Guys going out there for sure.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
O A love.
Speaker 13 (21:43):
The team can't go by itself.
Speaker 1 (22:06):
So that's where it all began.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
Brings back so many memories, guys, to that amazing first night,
amazing to hear the fans just happy to be there,
riding the high off of that win against the Galaxy,
and then not disappointed with the home draw. Realistic expectations
from a lot of fans. They said, you know what, win, lose, draw,
We're just happy to see this all be here. No
one could have foreseen what kind of season we were
(22:30):
gonna end up having after that first home opener, after
winning at Galaxy. Guys and Darren, I'll start with you, buddy,
it's been a roller coaster ride ever since that night.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
I think sometimes when you fly as close to the
sun as we do, you might have a tendency to
get too wrapped up in results. I had a little
bit inside of me like, oh, I know what it's like.
I work in mass media. Not everybody loves football, not
everybody likes it, and I always like, oh, yeah, great,
a scoreless draw. So I thought we'd have to deal
with a little bit of that. But when I walked
(23:02):
out into the parking lot after that match and I
had friends there were like, we were so entertained. They
still dominated that match. Top of my head is like
seventy thirty possession, fourteen two shots. They totally dominated Saint Louis,
and people were happy, the sense of occasion the night itself,
and nobody felt let down because there was a scoreless draw.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
And god to I mean, thirty four thousand plus in
the building. It shows you how long San Diego was
waiting for Major League soccer to arrive.
Speaker 11 (23:32):
Was unbelievable, and even though it was a scoreless draw,
not the result that everybody wanted. The alarms went off
when Chuqui Losano had to exit the game, and of
course for our market, and when we were trying to
gather the information know what was happening. I remember I'm
like running up and down, especially after the game, trying
to get the official statement, what's going to happen, how
is he doing? How long will he be out for doing?
(23:54):
You know, all the reporting after the game, we do
have to talk about maybe a little bit about but
it did happen with that sector of fans doing the
homophobic chant, and we don't want to generalize, but that
was something that did stain a little bit of the celebration.
Speaker 1 (24:10):
And you're so right, Gota.
Speaker 2 (24:11):
It shocked me the moment I heard it up in
the booth, and this is something that should be addressed
was addressed now. Just to remind listeners, during the second
half of that game, a homophobic slur was heard being
chanted from different sections of the stadium.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
It happened like three times.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
Each one of those times it was because Saint Louis
goalkeeper was prepared to just goalkick. And we know that
that's exactly when it always seems to happen. Sadly, we've
heard it before and you'd never want to hear it,
but on opening night, in a historic sellout, first kind
of game, it was really shocking.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
It did stain a beautiful night.
Speaker 11 (24:51):
It's a soccer city, it's a demanding crowd. They want goals,
but that obviously does not excuse the behavior. It was
only a sector of fans. Unfortunately, as we've seen in
Mexico national teams games, the fans starts using it as
a way of protesting when.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
They don't get things their way. Yep, yeah, when.
Speaker 11 (25:09):
Things don't go their way, when the goals aren't falling,
So that's when they start doing it. And also the
beers come into play after a lot of hours of
tailgating and they know they shouldn't do it.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
But Darren I know on the moment you and I
in the broadcast, we both just kind of looked at
each other in shock, like of all the things, no,
not this, I.
Speaker 7 (25:29):
Know, and I think we've all been in a stadium
where this has happened, and we all have experience talking
about this. I had the dimensions of the field committed
to memory. I knew what kind of grass they had, like,
I was prepared and over prepared for talking about just
everything and anything. But when that goalkick happened, I remember
(25:50):
looking at Adrian, and Adrian looked at me, and we
sort of looked and thought, what are we supposed to
do here? Because I think our microphones probably pay that.
I can see both of our hamster wheels turning trying
to figure out what we were supposed to.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
Do about it.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
On the radio, Yeah, and the club move quickly on that.
There were announcements over the stadium PA.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
I heard them.
Speaker 2 (26:12):
We were all still in shock when we were listening
to the PA announcer tell everybody it happened straight after
the whistle and then San Diego FC. I knew they
were going to react strongly and provide a statement condemning
the chant, with head coach Mikey bought us leading that
response in his post match comments. Let's take a listen.
Speaker 13 (26:31):
The chant that was.
Speaker 8 (26:32):
Hurt tonight is unacceptable. It's outside of our values system.
It doesn't represent the players, myself, the club, and it
certainly doesn't represent San Diego or Baja California. It's not
a reflection of who we are. We're a community full
of love, support and we believe in the power of diversity,
and I just want to make it really clear, it
has no place here.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
Well, most of the time we've seen teams scramble, organizations, FIFA, anybody.
They've scrambled to deal with this situation. But it felt
like San Diego FC was ready for the moment and
they rose to the occasion. We spoke to San Diego
f C CEO Tom Ben to break this all down
and the lessons learned in the early weeks of the season.
(27:12):
We'll catch you on the way back. Welcome back to
Behind the Flow. We're now joined by Tom Penn, CEO
of San Diego FC, to look back on that historic,
(27:36):
beautiful home opener and everything that it meant for the club,
the city, and of course the future. All right, Tom,
we'll welcome to Behind the Flow. Team at the top
of the West. I mean saying it out loud. It
feels beautiful, it feels great, unexpected. Tom, Are you maybe
(28:01):
thinking you guys are ahead of schedule here?
Speaker 1 (28:02):
I think a little bit on results.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
We wanted to get established in our habits, our practices,
our commitment to the way we play and who we
play and win in with you thall that, and I'd say, yes,
we are ahead of schedule if you go through each
of those buckets so far.
Speaker 1 (28:22):
But it could go.
Speaker 3 (28:24):
Bad at any moment without warning. That's how it works.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
That's the nature of Major League Soccer. But let's go back.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
Let's go down memory lane here real quick and kind
of just recount some of those memories. Take us back
to that very first matches Snapdragon, and what went through
your mind when you first saw the team come out
of the tunnel. You're there after everything that you guys
did to building in such a record time, and then
you finally see it happening there the very first match
(28:52):
at the Murph Dragon.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
All right, I'll take you right to where I was.
Speaker 3 (28:56):
I was physically down on the pitch at the tunnel,
and I was with the commissioner and with mister Mansour
and with Cody Martinez, and we were all within sort
of eyeshot earshot, and the focus had been on the
flow moment with Manny Machado out there, so that had
(29:18):
just happened, and then I turned and here comes the team.
The truth of the matter is, Adrian, I was trying
to get people.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
Out of the way. There were so many of us
down there.
Speaker 3 (29:28):
Everybody brought a posse, and we didn't do a good
job of clearing the tunnel. So all of a sudden,
I look and the players are marching, and it was
a little bit more like, WHOA, everybody out of the way.
That's not the spirit of what you were asking. The
spirit of what you were asking was. I was full
of joy and wonder and awe and really excitement.
Speaker 2 (29:51):
It was absolutely special. I mean, there had to have
been so many things happening to make it goal as
right as it did.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
It was a lot more than the game.
Speaker 3 (29:59):
When you have the commissioner come, When Sir Mohammed Mansour
comes and he brought I don't know, seventy five guests something.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
Like that, it was a lot.
Speaker 3 (30:10):
You know, our operations team just did a fantastic job
making sure everything went smoothly right up to our first
extra time party after the match, you know, the the
after hours party on the piers.
Speaker 1 (30:22):
All that went really smoothly.
Speaker 3 (30:24):
And of course the you know, the game was really
exciting and one goal shy of being a dream night.
Speaker 2 (30:31):
Obviously, we have to address an elephant in the room
during that evening. The chant kind of just it appeared,
but I got to say it. You know, I think
the way that you guys addressed it, it was it
was something to see because it was just it may
have caught and cut you guys off guard.
Speaker 3 (30:47):
Yeah, cut us on guard. Actually, we were worried about this.
I had personal experience with this from my opening day
at LAFC nearly a decade earlier. It was a bit
of a sad deja vu because at LAFC I was
in our owner's box and it caught us off guard there,
(31:08):
and I remember the commissioner was by my side and
looked at me and said, fix it. You know, it's
been around so long, Adrian and such a scourge and
a challenge.
Speaker 1 (31:17):
It just keeps coming back.
Speaker 3 (31:19):
And in this case, we had pre planned and thought
about how we would handle it, but it the intensity
of it and the UH and how broadly it came
out was what was surprising to me. And in this case,
the commissioner was in the suite, not next to me,
but like a little bit away, and he yelled at me, Hey, Tom.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
Fix it. You get that days aboo for real, you know.
Speaker 3 (31:43):
Immediately following the result, the key meeting was with Mikey
and Tyler when I went down to the locker room
and Mikey was really upset, and Mikey gave his talking
points what he planned to say when he went out
to the media, and it was for me perfect right.
They were giving our values in real time, under pressure,
without a script, and they nailed it. It's just sort
(32:06):
of embedded in all of us. That was a beautiful thing,
and that sent us on this direction to where we
were able to eradicate it. I'll say, for now, I
think there's a risk that it comes back in a
hyper intensive playoff game when their goalie is wasting time, right,
if we're down one nil or they're playing for a
draw or that kind of tension seems to bring it
(32:29):
out under pressure when the stakes are high.
Speaker 2 (32:32):
But credit also to the fans. They've listened, and I
think we've had nothing but amazing environments ever since. You know,
you said, and let's go to those special moments. I
think there's been quite a few so far. For an
expansion team, we can point to a lot of little milestones.
But for me, for example, that chokid O Sennel goal
against Galaxy as a broadcaster, tom I know that was
(32:54):
my favorite moment because it just happened organically. I'm just
in the broadcast and then I just going it right
in the moment, and then all of a sudden, it
felt like the north end, the whole stadium they went
into a chokilos and almost like is.
Speaker 1 (33:07):
If we master plan this.
Speaker 13 (33:16):
Took sing it.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
What has been your favorite the moment so far into this?
Oh wow, it would.
Speaker 3 (33:35):
Have probably been that the second goal at the Galaxy,
you know, opening night, ceiling that win and the way
that it happened on that transition play and Tommy's brilliant
pass and then Anders just hammering that thing.
Speaker 1 (33:50):
That was a moment of elation for me.
Speaker 16 (33:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (33:52):
And then the first home win against LAFC was fun,
you know, and the way that rivalries are earned not
just a sta you know, you gotta sort of do
something that's interesting for them, and I think we got
their attention right out.
Speaker 1 (34:06):
Of the shoot completely.
Speaker 2 (34:08):
The whole entire league turned around and said, wait a minute,
what are they doing there in the finest city.
Speaker 1 (34:12):
So now we're kind of closing this out. Tom.
Speaker 2 (34:15):
We get to the All Star Game and having three
All Stars, you know, and being there part of the festivities. Now,
after everything that you've done personally, they helped this team
grow and become the club that it is. And then
to have three All Stars, not one, not two, three
All Stars to validate absolutely everything you guys have done
on and off the field, because they are perfect examples
of what this club is on and off the field.
Speaker 1 (34:37):
That was great.
Speaker 3 (34:38):
Anders has been an MVP candidate, is in that discussion,
has performed game in, game out. Yepa is the rock, right,
I mean he is just rock solid, the captain El Capitan.
I mean, he is so solid. And then Choky is
the flair, the spice, the exclamation point, and I'm really
(35:01):
pleased that the commissioner made him his one of his
choices because Chuki had been hurt, right, so he in
and out of the lineup with these nagging little injuries,
but so spectacular when he's in and that meant a
lot because he's truly a star in the league and
the best should be yet to come, because these things
(35:23):
get forged when we're making a run for the Western
Conference Championship, when we're trying to get the supporters shield,
when we're going for the Cup and you need the
stars to shine and show up. We're still the new
kids on the block, but all credit goes to Tyler,
Mikey and all the players for their commitment to what
(35:47):
we're up to. Football wise, it's just been awesome.
Speaker 2 (35:50):
Well, we also have to give you some credit, you know,
Muhammed Mansua and everybody at Si Kwan, the Kumeyai band,
everybody that made this possible. Tumso congratulations and we look
forward to more chats like this here. I'm behind the
flow in Elfutua anytime. Well, as they say at San
Diego FC, what a guy. Definitely, Tom Penn, what a guy.
(36:14):
What an executive? The club is definitely in good hands
Darren Smith. I mean, what more can you ask from
a guy who's been asked to be an architect in
such a short period of time and helping put all
of this together with so much success.
Speaker 7 (36:28):
Yeah, I'm glad he's on our side now because even
something like having the experience with his time through Los
Angeles Football Club about what to do when you get
the chant on your opening match and not wanting it
to overshadow everything else that you've been building towards.
Speaker 1 (36:43):
I think it's great.
Speaker 7 (36:44):
But knowing that a guy like Tom put an action
in place where he had the Noah Qi not here,
it wasn't going to linger. He was gonna put an
end to this. This is how we're operating. Case closed,
and Katia.
Speaker 2 (36:59):
He was very, very proud of the way the organization
as a whole did what they did and how they
did it with regards to the chap but he was
also talking about how impressed he was just from the
building of the details like the chrome ball.
Speaker 1 (37:12):
He says, so cute.
Speaker 2 (37:13):
You talked about how money Machallo was an important element
to that and the connection that we saw in those
first couple of matches. We might even brought some Powdect
players over from spring training. Just those details of making
it all come to life.
Speaker 1 (37:25):
It was extra special.
Speaker 11 (37:27):
Year one. Everything's going to be a learning experience. I
love how quickly they came up with the celebration with
the colors, with a whole little protocol before the games,
with the chrome ball, with the guests. Once they turn
off those lights, you see the fireworks, you see the smoke,
and you see the whole light show. Man, it's amazing,
(37:47):
and you're just so invested from the get go in
just what it is to be there at snap Dragon Stadium.
Speaker 2 (37:54):
And Darren, we see it. The future is as bred
as at Chromeball it is.
Speaker 7 (37:58):
The sky is really the.
Speaker 2 (38:04):
All right, guys, So I'm gonna play a little kind
of game show with you right now. I got different doors,
all right. And this is with regards to San Diego
f c's participation right now.
Speaker 1 (38:12):
During League's Cup. Not looking good? What have we.
Speaker 2 (38:15):
Learned from these games after being knocked out after the
two home losses already, that's door number one, Door number two,
young inexperienced teams, We can touch that subject. You want
to talk about Dryer's red card, that's door number what three,
Door number four? The evidence of a tired squad injury
stacking up in door number five against DIGGT as we
saw the two new signings and David Basquez and Aaron
(38:37):
Karrangi both nineteen inexperience were thrown to the Wolves.
Speaker 1 (38:41):
How did they look?
Speaker 2 (38:43):
Gantia Costarina, I'll start with you door number one, two, three,
four or five?
Speaker 1 (38:47):
Which one do you want to hit?
Speaker 11 (38:48):
Door number four. This is the first time SANDEGOFC has
played meaningful matches outside of MLS, so this is still
part of that learning experience that year one means for
the team, I think in terms of conclusions out of
this when they've had games every three days, is that
the team has a character, the team has the foundation,
(39:10):
and we mention a lot about the style of play,
but that's the work that Mikey Vadas has been doing
throughout the year, and it shows. And even though we
saw mistakes that were costly and it's normal because it's
an inexperience and young team that is missing a lot
of guys, but we also saw a lot of positives.
So I feel like overall is just giving us good
(39:31):
sensations for what's to come in the season, because all
of these games are just going to give them more
tools of how to navigate the end of the season
elimination games if you want to advance.
Speaker 2 (39:43):
And those are great points, and Darren, let's go to
door number three here with you if we can, that
red card for Andres Dreyer causing more family feuds than
Steve Harvey.
Speaker 7 (39:53):
And they were the better side for the first twenty
twenty five minutes of that opening match, and then the
red card late as big a mistake as we'll see
from a young player or a veteran player, but all
of that was part of This is a different style
than what it is that we might be used to
seeing on a regular basis. So I think that's the
takeaway for me as well as be prepared for anything,
because just because you're not used to that in a
(40:15):
competitive environment doesn't mean that it might not rear its
head at some point again between now and the end
of the regular season or the postseason. That's a big
part of the sport, as we know, whether people love
it or hate it, room for both in the conversation.
But I just think the style that they definitely commented
on was something that I think they take away with
them from an experience standpoint moving forward.
Speaker 2 (40:37):
Absolutely, and I don't think that they were unsuccessful matches
despite the losses. There's a lot to learn from, a
lot to cut from. When it comes about you, you
show that resolve to get back in there and still
be fighting and then being and Dere's Dyer down and
without and Dere's Dyer against dagatas Data has kind of
had their way for a good part of the match.
In the latter part, but I did see a lot
of great moments. I saw a lot of good energy
(40:59):
coming from San Diego, in particular the two young reinforcements
with Kagi and then also with David Eboasquez. Let's talk
about League's Cup learning from that experience, everybody, all right,
I got their taste. It's fun to watch and it's
going to be enjoyable to see how it closes out.
Speaker 1 (41:14):
But for our sake, for.
Speaker 2 (41:15):
San Diego f c sake, the final city facing Sporting
Kansas City. You know they visited the snap Dragon back
in May. It was a pretty solid match, still a nothing,
nothing draw. What are we expecting? What are you expecting?
Start with you Kantia from San Diego FC, maybe getting
back onto the MLS road here and getting back to business.
Speaker 11 (41:37):
What I'm expecting is to see them use what they
learned from the League's Cup and it translating for that game,
especially when you're going to be away. I want to
see a team that it's going to be organized, a
team that it's going to be composed, and when it
comes to having a clean sheet like we saw in
that previous matchup that these two had, that would be
(41:57):
a win. So I'm hoping to see.
Speaker 2 (41:59):
That andre brutal schedule obviously, just coming off of that.
You know, three days you've got a game, a couple
of days you got a game. But when it comes
to Sporting Kansas City, they brought in, just like we've
brought in reinforcements, they brought in se Serramontes, Cachorro Montes's
brother Alan Montes, one of the reinforcements coming to the
fold for Sporting Kansas City. So we're gonna get a
chance to see him. But SKC has their idea of
(42:21):
receiving the finest city at Children's Mercy Park and having
no mercy and wanting a little bit of revenge here.
Speaker 7 (42:28):
Is there a better carrot on a stick than being
able to say, hey, the top team in the Western Conference,
we just picked up a result against them. I don't
think so. So you know, now we've talked a lot
about o SDFC has gone from being the hunters to
the hunt dead. That is a different mindset because you
know every time out he know you're going to get
their best shot, especially given where Sporting KC is at
(42:49):
this point on the outside again looking in the Western
Conference playoffs standings.
Speaker 2 (42:53):
Yeah, thirteenth place with ten games remaining, six points off
the pace to get in to a playoff position there
in the Western Conference. So guys, I think that this
is pretty good. On next week's show, we're gonna be
looking a little bit more, a little bit deeper into
the build of SDFC, They're strategy and how they're managing
(43:14):
their players' fitness. We'll also be looking at the transfer
window and what San Diego FC are doing to bring
in some reinforcements.
Speaker 1 (43:22):
This brings us.
Speaker 2 (43:23):
To the end of the new style of Behind the
Flow podcast. Thank you Tom Penn for taking time out
of your busy schedule to talk to us, and of
course thank you Kantia, and thank you Darren.
Speaker 11 (43:32):
Pleasure as always, thank you for having me. I'll do
my own little take. Stay happy, San Diego.
Speaker 7 (43:40):
And I would just say this is a pleasure anytime,
and it's an honor to be part of this club's history.
Speaker 2 (43:47):
Thank you for listening to this podcast. Make sure you
get behind the flow A follow wherever you listen to
your podcast. I'm Adrian Garcia Marcus. You've been dipped in
cromanesu
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