November 20, 2025 • 34 mins
It’s Semi-Final week and Sporting Director Tyler Heaps joins us to reflect on his first season building San Diego FC from the ground up. Darren Smith caught up with him at the training ground for a candid look at recruitment, identity, lessons learned, and the foundations for Year Two. And yes — we had to ask which current SDFC player most mirrors Tyler’s own playing style.
Adrian García-Márquez hosts alongside Katia Castorena and Darren Smith, as the team look back on a Year One that’s already exceeded expectations.
MLS journalist Charles Boehm returns with insight on the club’s identity, the influence of Right to Dream, and why this project is turning heads across the league.
Plus, the authority on all things MLS — Callum Williams — sends a voice note breaking down how Monday’s matchup may unfold.
The regular-season meetings between San Diego and Minnesota were pure chaos — a halfway-line goal, a red card, an own goal, and big performances at both ends. Now they meet again, with everything at stake.
All roads lead to a sold-out Snapdragon Stadium — a Murph Dragon ready to breathe fire as 32,000 fans push San Diego FC toward the Western Final.
Playoff football. A city rising. The moment is here.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Looking back, it's crazy how far this club has come.
I was in the early offices when there were five
or six employees in there, and just see what we've
been able to build.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
It's been rewarding.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
This is Behind the Flow, the podcast that takes you
inside San Diego Have Sea's first season in Major League Soccer.
San Diego have c have handled the pressure so far,
but now comes something bigger.
Speaker 4 (00:27):
Okay, that means I.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Gotta go into movie trailer, guy voice. Okay, here we go.
A Western Conference semi final and the showdown with Minnesota United.
And if their regular season meetings told us anything at all,
it's that these two produced matches shaped by moments. A
goal from the halfway line at the Murph Dragon the Coddies,
(00:52):
an own goal and a red card at Aliance Field,
two games full of swings and drama. Monday night, it'd
be more of the same, only this time everything, everything
is at stake, all right, Yes, on today's show, We're ready,
We're ready. We're joined by sporting director Tiger Heaps.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
We said from the beginning, we're gonna play this style,
and we recruited into that style. Let's not just get anybody,
Let's not just get good players. Let's get good players
that fit the way we want to do things.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
And MLS journalist Charles Bowen back with us in studio.
Speaker 5 (01:25):
It just speaks that much more to the incredible story
of San Diego, SI that they have made light of
all that they have scoffed collectively at people like me.
It's been tremendously impressive to watch.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Plus we're gonna hear from play by play bo e
time Callum Williams, who gives us the breakdown from the
other side Minnesota.
Speaker 6 (01:44):
What they op directs. They're aggressive, they know what they
are and they play to the strings.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
That's all coming up on this playoff edition.
Speaker 4 (01:51):
Of Behind the Flow.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
I'm Adrian gottiamonicas what come to Behind the Flow and
great to be back with Darren Smith and I should
have asked this from the jump.
Speaker 4 (02:08):
Are you read for some football? Darrence Maith?
Speaker 7 (02:11):
Monday night football return in the Mission Valley. We know
what those nights are like, don't we. It's been about
a decade since we had it last, but the city's
buzzing man. The bandwagon is completely full. The match sold
out in less than seventy two hours. Do not call
me for tickets. I do not have access to any tickets.
Call somebody else or hit the secondary market, because that's
(02:31):
the only way you're going to get in the Snapdragon
Stadium on Monday night.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
And that's been Kattia's phone blowing up. They've been asking
you for tickets.
Speaker 8 (02:36):
Goatia, I know it, I know family, friends, everyone down
in San Diego. It's a place to be on Monday.
Luckily we're going to be there because we're going to
be working, but we will get you all the action
and everything that's happening. We're excited because the playoffs continue
to be in town and we'll see what happens.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
A Murph Dragon that's going to be absolutely breathing fire
and a huge sem final on the horizon. It's the
perfect moment, guys, So welcome in someone who's a foeta
who's followed this story from the beginning. In fact, his
last name rhymes with poem. It's Charles Bowem MLS journalist's
friend of the show, Charles, welcome back. How you doing?
And Charles, about a year ago, I was looking and
(03:17):
listening through the archives as I've been hosting this show
behind the Flow, and if I remember correctly, he said,
this is going to be a rough ride for San
Diego FC out of the gate. How are we looking now, Papa.
Speaker 5 (03:27):
I should have known need lead with that. That's entirely fair.
But I think the measured predictions that myself and many
others made about San Diego se arose from history and
the bumpy road that expansion clubs tend to encounter an MLS,
and it just speaks that much more to the incredible
story of San Diego C that they have made light
(03:48):
of all that they have scoffed collectively at people like me.
You just have to tip your cap, whether you're down
the street like you guys are, or a cross country
It's been tremendously impressive to.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Watch and feel bad. I think everybody. Darren got to myself.
We have our colleagues. Everyone was surprised. I mean, we
knew that this was going to start off right, it
was going to be well built. There was a lot
of thought put into this. I mean, you had one
hundred days or so to create the club, create the
academy and everything that's gone with it. But yes, we've
been absolutely pleasantly surprised. I know that you're always on
the move, I mean, where are you at right now?
(04:20):
I feel like it's like where's Charles on Planet Earth?
Speaker 4 (04:23):
Right now? Where are you at?
Speaker 5 (04:24):
Greetings from Southwest Florida. We're in Tampa at the moment
because the US men's national team is in Tampa. They
played Uruguay tonight at Raymond James Stadium. So in addition
to MLS coverage, I chip in on the US men's
national team side a bit, and with the final countdown
well underway to the twenty twenty six World Cup, trying
to keep an eye on what Marci Pochettino and the
(04:46):
Yanks are up to. So we just one more international
window between now and when he will make his final
decisions for the twenty twenty six World Cup roster.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Now, you covering the MLS for years, how does the
league feel different now? Since the Apple TV deal kicked
in the MESSI and now here we are San DIEGOFC.
You just blowing all the doors down as an expansion site.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
MLS is in a constant state of evolution and truly
physical growth. Right San Diego is club number thirty in
year number thirty, which I think speaks to the dramatic
growth that's ongoing part of why I was very measured
in my approach to San Diego FC was that they
have a long term mentality. So much of what this
club is doing is intended to be working decades down
(05:26):
the road rather than just a few months.
Speaker 6 (05:28):
Right.
Speaker 5 (05:28):
I got to speak with some of the people running
the academy, which just officially launched a couple of months ago,
and you know, they know it will be years before
they sign a homegrown player that's risen through every level
of their youth development system. So I think that's maybe
the most remarkable part of all in terms of the
on field results, is that they're doing this with only
a percentage of the model in place, which I think
(05:50):
gives the fans, I think, a lot to be excited
about in the long run.
Speaker 7 (05:54):
From what you've seen on the pitch, behind the scenes,
how much clearer is the identity that San Diego does
do have this blueprint, how it's aligning with the right
to Dream philosophy, not just in this inaugural season, but
Charles for many many more years to come.
Speaker 5 (06:09):
Yeah, Danish soccer is having a moment in MLS. When
I spoke with Zinkernagle about this at the All Star Game,
he said, maybe it's just because we're cheap, right, But
it turns out there is more to it than that,
And especially in the context of SDFC, you have a
natural dovetailing with the Right to Dream global network and
having the club over in Denmark that's been provided a
(06:32):
little bit of proof of concept for some of the
tactical ideas in the game model, and then bringing in
Swertzkov Dryer that cadre who were familiar with the Right
to Dream concepts and the vision had the technical aptitude
and the skill sets to execute. And then the personalities right,
They had to pick the right personalities guys that would
settle in and be able to work with this tremendously international,
(06:55):
diverse group of players on this roster. You have to
give Tyler Heaps and Mikey VARs a ton of credit
for getting it right, not just in what they bring
on the pitch, but the type of people they are
and how they lead and how they get this brand
new voyage underway with such a spectacular start.
Speaker 8 (07:11):
Charles, looking ahead to the matchup that we have in
front of US Conference semifinals ASDFC against Minnesota United, we're
talking about the most possession heavy team in MLS in
San Diego against the least possession heavy team in MLS.
It's a battle of styles. Just looking at what to
expect from this playoff game.
Speaker 5 (07:32):
If you believe in that old boxing adage that styles
make fights, then you're going to love this one, right.
This is almost the narrative peak that you could ask for.
In terms of contrast Minnesota United, who I had the
pleasure speaking with their coach, Eric Ramsey, who's one of
the youngest in the league, one of the rising stars
in not just in MLS coaching circles, but globally. They
(07:53):
delight in having the lowest possession numbers in the league.
They create constant danger through throwns into the box. Some
people consider it a sort of a regressive style of
play because it does it is reactive in some ways.
But if a team like Brentford is using some of
these same ideas to get the best of an outperformed
(08:13):
dollar for dollar pound four pound Manchester United and Chelsea
Arsenal teams like that, then you can imagine that that
there's something going on right. There's something intelligent happening with Minnesota.
They are not one of the biggest spenders in the league.
Far from it, but they have a clear identity, they
believe in what they're doing, and it's going to be
a real, I think, a real challenge for San Diego.
(08:34):
As we saw they split the season series strangely enough.
I believe they both wanted the other's house. And those
who are in attendance for Minnesota's win at Snapdragon a
few months ago will note there's a high wire act
that mikey Varis and SCFC are going to have to
navigate here. Their system involves taking some of the risks
with the ball that Minnesota is designed to exploit and
(08:56):
turn into quick, quick transitions in the other direction. So
going to be fascinating.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
I love it, Charles.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Yes, styles do make fights, and this is a definite
heavyweight fight. Monday Night Football. Don cut me, Meg, No,
I don't think Tyler Heaps is the type of guy
that's gonna be in your corner, that's gonna cut you.
And I don't think he's gonna say, like, why do
you keep wearing that sweater because it brings me. Look, no,
I'll tell you what it brings. It brings flies. Yeah,
(09:25):
that was the great I love Rocky, But this is
what it is, a heavyweight title fight. And Darren Smith
caught up with Tyler Heaps a little earlier today.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
We're gonna bring you that conversation after the break.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
Welcome back. This is behind the flow. Charles is still
with us, but earlier today. Darren Smith is always officially
invited to the got invited to the sporting director's office
this morning, Yes, the principal's office for you, Darren Smith.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
You went to speak to Tyler Heaps. How was he?
Speaker 7 (10:17):
He's always great, He always is great. I mean seven
o'clock in the morning and you wouldn't know it. It
sounded like Tyler had been up for several hours, which
I know he gets up early. But he was what
you would expect from Tyler Heaps. He was honest, he
was reflective, incredibly open about year one, really really insightful stuff.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
Great conversation and Darren, I imagine he had his poker
face on his always he's just always calm, cool, collected,
not too high, not too low. I imagine he hasn't
altered all that much this week with everything on the
line though, No.
Speaker 7 (10:45):
Not at all. Even if you see him five minutes
before the playoff game, which I did. It's just the
same mannerisms. Are you nervous, Tyler, Not really, we play
our football, We're gonna be okay. But it's hard to believe, AGM,
that this has been fifteen months. Tyler Heaps officially got
hired by Santego Football Club in August of twenty twenty four.
So we began our conversation with Tyler trying to put
(11:08):
into words just how incredible this journey has been since
he's become the sporting director at Santego Football Club.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Looking back, it's crazy how far I've come personally, but
also this club has come.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
I have been pretty much through it all.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
I was in the early offices when there were five
or six employees in there, and I've been involved in
pretty much every hiring process for all of our employees too.
So looking back, it's been and rewarding to see what
we've been able to build, how we've been able to
have success so quickly. But I think success is only
a component of the people that we've been able to
bring in and the processes that we've built.
Speaker 7 (11:45):
You talk about a year ago, it's interesting you had
six players under contract. Duran Ferei Yepe Marcus Chucky, Patty
Alex Maighten, Right, we didn't even know some of these
names that have become really household names around the San
Diego sports landscape. But a year ago you were setting
the foundations processes, the recruitment philosophy. What part of your
strategy of your approach feels most validated from where we
(12:08):
were then to where we are today.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
I think we talked a lot about what this team
was going to look like when we had six players.
I think we were very intentional about every player that
we brought in. And then I also think we said
from the beginning, we're going to play this style, and
we recruited into that style. So we were able to
get guys that could solve pressure, we were able to
get guys that are brave.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
And now you see us play.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
And you realize probably why we were looking after those
guys is because we play a very unique way. And
I think we've had a tremendous amount of success doing that.
And so that's where I look at probably the main
component of those early days where let's not just get anybody,
let's not just get good players, Let's get good players
that fit the way we want to do things.
Speaker 7 (12:44):
I remember hearing you say something to the effect of,
when you were trying to sell players on this project,
you were selling a dream, right because you didn't have anything.
You didn't have any video that you could show them
about San Diego Football Club. If you wouldn't mind taking
us back to that recruitment process, those specific moments, what
was that like when you were trying to explain to
some of these players why they should join San Diego
(13:04):
Football Club when you were just selling them on an
idea that didn't have anything really to put in front
of them.
Speaker 1 (13:10):
Yeah, had a keynote presentation. I had a lot of
different pictures of San Diego. It had renderings of what
the training ground would look like. I had FC norchilling
clips that I would show them and I'd say, look
close your eyes and envision that the jersey color is
a little bit different, but this is the way that
we are going to play football. And a lot of
these guys got on a plane and came out here,
and looking back to those days, it was crazy, but
I think that we were able to check so many boxes,
(13:31):
and that's a credit to all the staff that we
had in place to ensure that those players arrived on
day one and they were excited and they were ready
to go.
Speaker 7 (13:37):
Now you've been through a full season, you're into the
postseason as well. What's the biggest thing that you have
learned from Mikey and the best part about working together?
The two of you stride and stride cool.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
I mean, I think we've learned so much from each other.
I think we make a tremendous team.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
We have a lot of common people that we've worked
with in the past but have never worked together, so
we can always reflect on what those relationships were like
with high level individuals in this sport, and I just
think learning together has been the biggest thing. I wouldn't
say there's any one thing, but we have very differing
management styles, which I think is really good. I don't
even think we need to talk before we talk to
the media because we are oftentimes thinking the exact same things.
(14:16):
I tried to watch most training sessions. He's told me
multiple times, if you ever want to come back in
a future life as an assistant coach, I'd always.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Happily take you.
Speaker 7 (14:23):
Do you want to come back as an assistant coach?
Speaker 1 (14:25):
That's a great question. I'm not thinking about five ten years,
the future life from right now. I'm thinking about Monday
and then I try to work on a week by
week basis.
Speaker 7 (14:32):
Obviously, Tyler, this is still the first season for you
as a sporting director. I wonder if you could tell
us maybe a lesson learned or something you know that
you really had to experience to understand. Everybody always says,
was there anything that you were unprepared for? And maybe
that's not the right question, maybe it is, but is
there one thing, though, that you really have to live
through as a sporting director truly to appreciate and understand.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
The one thing I would say is that you can't
predict anything. I think you could take as many classes, courses,
everything out there that would say this is to prepare
you for a sporting director, and you literally cannot predict
what's going to happen on a day to day basis.
And I think it's about making decisions quickly and that
comes every single day you show up to work and
there's a decision that you probably have to make and
everybody's kind of looking at you to make that. And
(15:15):
I've been in the other shoes before where you're the
one that's supporting decisions. But when you're making decisions, it's
different because everyone has a repercussion, some positive, some negative.
And I think that's what's been the biggest learning curve
for me, is how do we make decisions? And I
say we because that is what we do it at
San Diego. We talk openly about what we're doing and
why we're doing it, and it's always to protect the
(15:35):
values and the culture that we've created. Whatever happens in
these next few weeks, we're going to have a successful
first season. But now next year is a new year
and we're no longer an expansion team, and that comes
with more challenges, That comes with more expectations, and I
think that people will expect us to do something like
this again next year. That's from the ownership, but also
the external media and everything that comes with it, and
so that becomes a new challenge and I'm looking forward
(15:57):
to bringing that on and I will learn in this role,
I think every day for the next five ten years.
Speaker 7 (16:01):
All right, Tyler, you know how we do I'm behind
the flow. We like a little rapid fire, quick response,
you know, no real time for you to process and
give us an incredible detailed answer. Here you ready to
rock Yeah, let's do it all right. Biggest misconception about
what a sporting director actually does.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
I think this like ruler from the top of a mountain.
That's I think far from it. I think I'm a
sporting director that likes to be very ingrained with the team.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
I like to make myself seen.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
I like to ensure that they know who I am
just as much as the other way around, and so
just trying to constantly interact with everybody. That's staff, players,
that's kitchen staff, that's athletic trainers. So I try to
be there to be a support for everybody that's on
the ground.
Speaker 7 (16:40):
During transfer windows. What is your caffeine intake? How many
coffees per day?
Speaker 1 (16:44):
I stay consistent with my caffeine take. I do one
in morning and then one after lunch. That's about it
for me. If I do anything else, I'll struggle to
fall asleep.
Speaker 7 (16:51):
Is that it really?
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Wow?
Speaker 7 (16:52):
That's amazing. All right, We'll give that a little time.
Maybe we'll check back in with you in a couple
of years on that one. You are a former player,
right you played which position? Player on Santego Football Club?
Most would resemble Tyler Heaps.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Oh, that's a good question as well. I'd probably say
I always like it. I was probably more like an Annabelgudoy.
I was almost going to say, yeh, babe, I was
a very technical player that actually played right back, but
would play inside because I needed to hide my own defects,
which was my speed. So I would say probably a
mix of Anniball, where I was a very much a
team player.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
I worked both sides of the ball.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
I was technical enough to make an impact, but I
didn't have enough speed to really dominate games.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Good at the dark arts very yeah, slyly, of course.
Speaker 7 (17:32):
I mean Anna ball is very sly with that, not
afraid to pick up a yellow right.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Yeah, exactly, ask what the game's given you.
Speaker 7 (17:38):
Absolutely just one word. What is the hardest part about
building a club from scratch?
Speaker 2 (17:43):
Consistency?
Speaker 1 (17:44):
I think making decisions that are consistency aligned to what
you're trying to do, because if you make decisions day
to day, those always don't correlate with what you're trying
to do long term, and so making sure you're always protecting.
Speaker 7 (17:54):
That most satisfying part of this gig.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
I think seeing the city and how much been able
to show up for this club and again I was
in those early conversations where there were five supporters there
and then to go and to get those playoff games
at home, and those are special moments not only for
the club but for this entire community.
Speaker 7 (18:12):
Any particular advice that you've picked up along the way
that's really helped you in your one.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Well, I've picked up a ton.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
I've had a lot of really good conversations with our
ownership group, with Luxwi and mister Mansour, and I think
just the way that they support through everything has been
really critical and really key for me. From that advice,
but making sure that I know that, no matter what happens,
that they're proud of what we're building, and ensuring that
that's constantly communicated to the leaders here and also ensuring
that they have my full support. I'm young in this
(18:38):
role right, this is my first year. They did take
a chance on me, but to constantly get that feeling
of gratitude from them and the feeling of commitment from
them has been massive for me.
Speaker 7 (18:47):
And last one, is there a moment that is just
indelibly ingrained into your memory bank that if you think
about it, it'll instantly bring a smile to your face.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
Yeah, I think it was.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
It's the Galaxy game at home, and I say it
for a couple of reasons. I think that was a
really special game. I think that was a turning point
of our season as well, with the way that we
want it. And then from a personal standpoint, my wife
was there and she's been able to watch us very
little this year, and so she was up sitting with
the Josh Muse from Sequan and she actually came down
on the field after the game, and Yeah, just being
able to have her there and see how special that
(19:22):
was and see everything that I have had a part
in building. That moment will probably resonate with me because
I haven't had a whole lot of those from a
personal and and professional balance this year. That's been a challenge.
But having her in the stands for that game was
really special.
Speaker 4 (19:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (19:35):
I mean there's a lot to choose from.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
Yeah, exactly, and there's Yeah, there's a lot of key moments.
There's something as simple too, as like being on a
plane ride back from a game. Like some of those
really resonate with me, where you really sit there and
you think, hey, this is a special group and we
think this year could be something special. I think we've
said that a couple of times. Mikey and I have
had a couple of match Day minus one beers together
where we've sat there and been like, hey, this group
could do something special, and you still need things to
(20:00):
go your way, and things have one our away so far,
and hopefully Monday nights another one of those special nights
and we can keep this thing.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Rolling as always, Darren Smith, as you've done all season long, Excelenciertramano,
that was a great conversation. There always is something that
stands out in a conversation with Tyler Heaps. You know,
I know that he loves his Minnesota Twins and the
Minnesota Vikings and he gets all nervous about them, doesn't
get nervous about San Diego FC. But what stood out
(20:26):
to you the most in the line of questioning there
that was excellent.
Speaker 7 (20:30):
Well, I love the you know that he said what
he said about the moment of the season that really
stood out to him and brings a smile to his face.
Speaker 4 (20:36):
And why.
Speaker 7 (20:37):
But I think learning a little bit about Tyler the player,
I mean of all the players that I was going
through my mind thinking who would Tyler compare his style
to Andie Boga doy was.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
Wasn't on the big old cards.
Speaker 7 (20:49):
Hey, Tyler said he was not afraid of the dark
arts when he was a player, not afraid to mix
it up. It's whatever the game commands of you. So
I love that answer. I think we learn a little
bit about him.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
I love that the stoicism, but yet the Jedi mind
tricks and yes, now bocassos, if necessary, do what's required
to win the match. And Charles, you've covered them, You've
talked so many many times and you were listening closely.
Now what stood out to you and what Tyler said?
And looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities
for San Diego in Gear two?
Speaker 5 (21:19):
I do think your two will be just as fascinating,
because when you set records and started so well and
set such a high bar, it is a challenge. Building
is one thing, maintaining is another. So they're going to
have to get the next round of signings right. They're
going to have to make tough decisions about who they
bring back and who they don't for next season's roster.
(21:40):
I think we've only seen us scratch the surface of
what Chucky Lasano can bring to the table. And there's
been some ups and downs in that sense. Right then,
how do you handle life in MLS with a target
on your back. It's one thing to be the up
and comer, to be the new kid that very little
is expected of. When you are the raining blank, whether
it's they stop at braining Western Conference regular season champs
(22:01):
or if they can add an even bigger title in
the next few weeks, everyone will be gunning for them.
And then beyond that is how does that infrastructure pathway
continue to grow? And then, of course we know that
he's under the microscope himself in terms of every decision
he makes right, every signing, every negotiation. Does the current
roster model continue to keep them on the path they
(22:22):
want to be? Do they eventually have to invest in
maybe more high end talent. That's another thing that the
playoffs have a way of doing. They test whether you
have the difference makers who are strong in the clutch.
Does Anders Dryer start to draw attention from big clubs
overseas who've watched what he's done over a full year
and now want to sneak in right and maybe have
(22:42):
a nibble and see if they can test the resolve
of both the player and the club to have this
be a long term relationship. I think you could say
something very similar about Yep. It's first off, he's been excellent,
the quiet cog at the heart of that machine. And
what will they do with Luca Delatore, Right, that's a
tough negotiation that is either on going or still to
be determined. There'll be so many more questions, to say
(23:04):
nothing of the nature that we don't you know yet
of how the season will end.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
And what we do know is that San Diego being
the finest city. These guys say, the sunshine, the beaches,
the calm, the serenity, the love that you feel being
in San Diego, and we get it when players are
going to want to arrive.
Speaker 4 (23:18):
So I'm calling it now.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
Maybe a Raulki Miez might want to pull up an
SD coming into next season, but I'll just throw that
out there into the universe. So, as you heard with Tyler,
it's going to be your turn now and and Darren
take a cooling Breakpapot, because you did a wonderful job
with Tyler. Heaps Ganta and I will we'll land the
plane here on the quick Fire session with Charles boeham
Let's go favorite MLS stadium to cover a match in.
Speaker 5 (23:41):
I'll say Providence Park, Portland.
Speaker 3 (23:44):
Oh nice, that's why that cabin in the woods we
get it.
Speaker 8 (23:49):
A player you love watching who does not get enough attention.
Speaker 5 (23:55):
Love this question, Love this question, and there's so many.
I'll do a little home team love here. It's Vertskov
the six, the iconic vision of a progressive for playing six.
Speaker 3 (24:09):
Yep, it's been absolutely wonderful for this team. Now, favorite
player to ever play in MLS.
Speaker 5 (24:16):
I started in this business cover in DC United, and
he had already moved on, but his legend still remain
in the shadow, still hung over the club. So I'll
say Marco El Diablo Etcheveri, mercurial Bolivian ten.
Speaker 8 (24:30):
This one's I feel going to be easy. One MLS
rule you would change tomorrow?
Speaker 5 (24:37):
How much time we got are not just have to
be the rapid fire? Really just kidding, just kidding. Long term,
maybe long after I'm gone, the people that run this
league and that make the massive investments in this league
that have helped power its rise, will come to realize
that some version a North Amyeric American MLS friendly version
(25:03):
of promotion relegation will bring it dynamism and an energy
to the league that will outweigh the financial considerations and
the structural challenges that come with it.
Speaker 4 (25:14):
Excellent answer.
Speaker 3 (25:14):
Okay, the last one here for a man of many words,
for a poet, I mean again, your last name rhymes
with poem Charles Bohem.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
One word. One word, that's it.
Speaker 3 (25:26):
One word for this semi final matchup between San Diego
FC and Minnesota United.
Speaker 5 (25:32):
Opposites opposites. Yeah, it's a real clash of contrast that's
going to be amazing to watch.
Speaker 8 (25:38):
Nice not to put you on the spot, but yes,
a little bit, you know, just for fun. Who do
you have lifting the cup this year?
Speaker 5 (25:48):
I've learned that predictions in MLS are a fools game. Yeah,
but what I would say is as unoriginal as it
may be, there's a ferocity to what we've seen from
Leo Messio the last few months. Whenever I'm put on
the spot, I have a real hard time betting against
the goat.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
There is a special shine to Leo right now. So
maybe he wants to have a last mic drop, maybe
a championship MLS Cup.
Speaker 4 (26:11):
We'll get it done.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
But in the meantime, I think we we still want
to believe San Diego f C is going all the
way to the MLS Cup and going to be lifting
it with Undre the iron yet and it's gonna be
a beautiful sight to see. But thank you so much
Charles Bonum for joining us here on behind the flow.
And it's always anytime, all.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
Right, stay with us.
Speaker 3 (26:33):
After this short break, we're gonna look ahead to Monday
Night football. Sold out, Murph Dragon, catch you on the
way back, Welcome back. We're into the final part of
(26:56):
the show again. Thank you so much to Charles Boeham,
one of the excellent writers that cover Major League soccer
and soccer on Earth in general. Now, in the regular season, guys,
these two shared some unforgettable moments. We're talking about Minnesota United,
San Diego FC, a halfway line strike, a red card,
an own goal that one hurt, and outstanding performances at
(27:18):
both ends of the pitch.
Speaker 4 (27:20):
As Charles eloquently.
Speaker 3 (27:22):
Put it, styles make fights, big time fight Monday night,
Monday Night football, and that can make it all the same.
Another battle awaits only with the place in the Western
Final on the line. And before we get into our
own predictions, we wanted to bring in a voice who
knows Minnesota United well as well as anyone in Major
League Soccer. One of the elegant narloris that we have available,
(27:45):
and he's got some words. Gatia Costna Callum Williams.
Speaker 8 (27:49):
Callum Williams has been pitchside and in the gantry of
their biggest moments this season, including their dramatics series against
the Seattle Sounders, and he sent us a voice note
early with his take on what San Diego should expect
and how he thinks Monday Night will play out.
Speaker 6 (28:10):
Hi, Adrian, hope you're well and looking forward to what
I think is going to be a fascinating context between
San Diego and Minnesota United. I was fortunate enough to
commentate on Game two and Game three of the series
between Minnesota and Seattle Sounders over the course of what
has been a crazy playoff period. Look, Minnesota are what
they are. They're almost quite English in their approach in
the fact that they're direct, they're aggressive, they know what
(28:33):
they are and they play to their strengths. They have
individuals that can cause problems, the likes of Robin Lude,
the likes of Jaquim Parreda. Triantis in midfield as well
is very good at making late surging runs and can
offer something from the edge of the box. But their
issue has been at center forward this year. Since the
loss of Tanny olowashe their goals for average has dropped significantly.
Yoboa hasn't scored, and I think it's twelve games now.
(28:55):
He's not been fit for some time. So what I
think they'll do is they'll look to play for set peas.
Speaker 2 (29:00):
They'll look for.
Speaker 6 (29:01):
Long throws from Michael Boxall. I think Minnesota scored twenty
two goals from set pieces in the regular season throughout
the course of the campaign, more than anybody in Major
League Soccer. So again, they know what they are. They
have their threats from certain areas. But I wander now,
because Josef Brazzales is suspended, I would assume Anthony Markanick
would come in at left wing back. That's his traditional role,
(29:22):
is a modern day forward thinking full back. He's got
ten goals this year as well Adrian, so again I
would assume that he would continue those aggressive thoughts and
want to join in on the attack when Minnesota have
the opportunity to do so. I suspect they'll do so.
In transition against San Diego and look, maybe that is
where San Diego can get the better of Minnesota United.
(29:42):
When the likes of Merchanic go forward, can the likes
of Dryer find a way in behind. It'll be really interesting.
Speaker 4 (29:48):
Can't wait to watch.
Speaker 6 (29:49):
And I'm going to say San Diego will find victory
over Minnesota United by three goals to one.
Speaker 3 (29:58):
Callum Williams, one of the great voices covering soccer, crossed
up Planeta. So twenty two set piece goals. I mean,
they've been reading from the Book of Spells all season long.
They have their magic tome gout.
Speaker 8 (30:09):
There definitely a strong suit for them when it comes
to set pieces. This will only be the third competitive
match between as DFC and Minnesota United. We already talked
about the Battle of Stiles. Both sides have recorded a
victory a piece with an average of five goals per
game scored, which is crazy between those previous two meetings
(30:30):
that we've been talking about. And if you like the stets,
I'm taking this one away from you, Darren. But if
we think about what San Diego is doing as standing,
one point ninety five goals per game is what they
are doing this season. But on the other side, Minnesota
is really good defensively, and they have only allowed one
point twenty four goals per game in twenty twenty five,
(30:51):
and they have Dane Saint Clair in between the sticks,
so I think, aside from set pieces, that's also something
that as the sc has to be in the lookout
for because it's what they're really good at.
Speaker 7 (31:03):
Yeah, Dane Saint Clair had twelve saves against Stating a
Football club when they played here in September. He might
have wrapped up Goalkeeper of the Year that night. I
mean SDFC had him under all sorts of pressure. It's
interesting to hear Callum talk about merchanic and set pieces
since the opener of that match was a corner kick
merchanic header into the net, which was the first goal.
(31:24):
I don't know, there's something about Minnesota, you know, since
they came here and won that game at Snapdragon Stadium,
they've only Now this is tricky and it's going to
sound like I'm splitting hairs here, but their actual official
record is one win in all competitions, four losses and
three draws. They've advanced because they wont a couple of
penalty kick shootouts against Seattle, but they've won one time,
(31:44):
and that might be their best strategy here is try
to go to a penalty kick shootout. So there's something
that's just a little off. They lost the Open Cup match.
They lost on Decisions Day to La Galaxy of All Clubs,
so you know they're here. You have to give him credit.
It's a different style, for sure. In the style I
will make the fight, but I believe more on the
San Diego style than they do in the Minnesota United style.
Speaker 4 (32:05):
Oh man, I can feel it, guys.
Speaker 3 (32:06):
It's just the energy of the energy of prints coming
into effect. It's gonna be dramatic, just like a guitar solo,
and we're gonna see maybe I don't know how a
feeling again el is gonna go full put pro rain
on them and drop a couple of goals. But Darren
Domas the La Joya Oracle, your vision tells you final
score to make it concrete.
Speaker 7 (32:26):
Is three to one.
Speaker 3 (32:27):
And now got Cana your score line final.
Speaker 2 (32:31):
Score Greta too.
Speaker 8 (32:32):
I think it's gonna be crazy.
Speaker 4 (32:34):
All right.
Speaker 3 (32:34):
And as for me, the Mission Bay Medium, the Mission
Valley Bruka told me the final score will be San
Diego FC threes Minnesota United three to two, and it's
gonna be Jeffetersko dropping in the goal that makes the
difference and sends us across into the next part.
Speaker 4 (32:57):
Of the underworld that is gonna be you know, on
our way in my less now.
Speaker 8 (33:00):
Going to would you look up an Etsy.
Speaker 4 (33:03):
Etsyukhan Etsy.
Speaker 3 (33:05):
She she broke it down for us real quick, you know,
because now they have apps like get your Prediction. Now
it's like, all right, but that's it. So three to
two I love it and that's it.
Speaker 7 (33:13):
Yeah, I mean, yep, they got them last time, so
why not do it again.
Speaker 4 (33:16):
Let's go, let's do let's do it again.
Speaker 3 (33:24):
And that brings us to the end of this semi
final edition of Behind the Flow. Our thanks again to
Tyler Heaps, Charles Boham, Callum Williams and is always the
two of the best Darren and Goatya, thank you guys.
Speaker 7 (33:38):
Cannot wait for Monday night?
Speaker 4 (33:40):
Can I wait?
Speaker 7 (33:41):
Can I wait? Back in mission valid dam let's go see.
Speaker 8 (33:44):
You all on Monday another solout crowd atmosphere is going
to be electric.
Speaker 3 (33:48):
Let's go and we're going to be back next week
to reflect on Monday night with any luck to look
ahead at a Western Conference final involving San Diego FC.
Wherever you're listening, make sure to follow the podcasts for
you're first to receive the next episode. For Darren, Forgatia,
and everybody else that made this possible. I'm Adrian Garcia
Marcus and this has been behind the flow. You've been
(34:09):
dipped in a suli chrome
Looking back, it's crazy how far this club has come.
I was in the early offices when there were five
or six employees in there, and just see what we've
been able to build.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
It's been rewarding.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
This is Behind the Flow, the podcast that takes you
inside San Diego Have Sea's first season in Major League Soccer.
San Diego have c have handled the pressure so far,
but now comes something bigger.
Speaker 4 (00:27):
Okay, that means I.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Gotta go into movie trailer, guy voice. Okay, here we go.
A Western Conference semi final and the showdown with Minnesota United.
And if their regular season meetings told us anything at all,
it's that these two produced matches shaped by moments. A
goal from the halfway line at the Murph Dragon the Coddies,
(00:52):
an own goal and a red card at Aliance Field,
two games full of swings and drama. Monday night, it'd
be more of the same, only this time everything, everything
is at stake, all right, Yes, on today's show, We're ready,
We're ready. We're joined by sporting director Tiger Heaps.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
We said from the beginning, we're gonna play this style,
and we recruited into that style. Let's not just get anybody,
Let's not just get good players. Let's get good players
that fit the way we want to do things.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
And MLS journalist Charles Bowen back with us in studio.
Speaker 5 (01:25):
It just speaks that much more to the incredible story
of San Diego, SI that they have made light of
all that they have scoffed collectively at people like me.
It's been tremendously impressive to watch.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Plus we're gonna hear from play by play bo e
time Callum Williams, who gives us the breakdown from the
other side Minnesota.
Speaker 6 (01:44):
What they op directs. They're aggressive, they know what they
are and they play to the strings.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
That's all coming up on this playoff edition.
Speaker 4 (01:51):
Of Behind the Flow.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
I'm Adrian gottiamonicas what come to Behind the Flow and
great to be back with Darren Smith and I should
have asked this from the jump.
Speaker 4 (02:08):
Are you read for some football? Darrence Maith?
Speaker 7 (02:11):
Monday night football return in the Mission Valley. We know
what those nights are like, don't we. It's been about
a decade since we had it last, but the city's
buzzing man. The bandwagon is completely full. The match sold
out in less than seventy two hours. Do not call
me for tickets. I do not have access to any tickets.
Call somebody else or hit the secondary market, because that's
(02:31):
the only way you're going to get in the Snapdragon
Stadium on Monday night.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
And that's been Kattia's phone blowing up. They've been asking
you for tickets.
Speaker 8 (02:36):
Goatia, I know it, I know family, friends, everyone down
in San Diego. It's a place to be on Monday.
Luckily we're going to be there because we're going to
be working, but we will get you all the action
and everything that's happening. We're excited because the playoffs continue
to be in town and we'll see what happens.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
A Murph Dragon that's going to be absolutely breathing fire
and a huge sem final on the horizon. It's the
perfect moment, guys, So welcome in someone who's a foeta
who's followed this story from the beginning. In fact, his
last name rhymes with poem. It's Charles Bowem MLS journalist's
friend of the show, Charles, welcome back. How you doing?
And Charles, about a year ago, I was looking and
(03:17):
listening through the archives as I've been hosting this show
behind the Flow, and if I remember correctly, he said,
this is going to be a rough ride for San
Diego FC out of the gate. How are we looking now, Papa.
Speaker 5 (03:27):
I should have known need lead with that. That's entirely fair.
But I think the measured predictions that myself and many
others made about San Diego se arose from history and
the bumpy road that expansion clubs tend to encounter an MLS,
and it just speaks that much more to the incredible
story of San Diego C that they have made light
(03:48):
of all that they have scoffed collectively at people like me.
You just have to tip your cap, whether you're down
the street like you guys are, or a cross country
It's been tremendously impressive to.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Watch and feel bad. I think everybody. Darren got to myself.
We have our colleagues. Everyone was surprised. I mean, we
knew that this was going to start off right, it
was going to be well built. There was a lot
of thought put into this. I mean, you had one
hundred days or so to create the club, create the
academy and everything that's gone with it. But yes, we've
been absolutely pleasantly surprised. I know that you're always on
the move, I mean, where are you at right now?
(04:20):
I feel like it's like where's Charles on Planet Earth?
Speaker 4 (04:23):
Right now? Where are you at?
Speaker 5 (04:24):
Greetings from Southwest Florida. We're in Tampa at the moment
because the US men's national team is in Tampa. They
played Uruguay tonight at Raymond James Stadium. So in addition
to MLS coverage, I chip in on the US men's
national team side a bit, and with the final countdown
well underway to the twenty twenty six World Cup, trying
to keep an eye on what Marci Pochettino and the
(04:46):
Yanks are up to. So we just one more international
window between now and when he will make his final
decisions for the twenty twenty six World Cup roster.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Now, you covering the MLS for years, how does the
league feel different now? Since the Apple TV deal kicked
in the MESSI and now here we are San DIEGOFC.
You just blowing all the doors down as an expansion site.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
MLS is in a constant state of evolution and truly
physical growth. Right San Diego is club number thirty in
year number thirty, which I think speaks to the dramatic
growth that's ongoing part of why I was very measured
in my approach to San Diego FC was that they
have a long term mentality. So much of what this
club is doing is intended to be working decades down
(05:26):
the road rather than just a few months.
Speaker 6 (05:28):
Right.
Speaker 5 (05:28):
I got to speak with some of the people running
the academy, which just officially launched a couple of months ago,
and you know, they know it will be years before
they sign a homegrown player that's risen through every level
of their youth development system. So I think that's maybe
the most remarkable part of all in terms of the
on field results, is that they're doing this with only
a percentage of the model in place, which I think
(05:50):
gives the fans, I think, a lot to be excited
about in the long run.
Speaker 7 (05:54):
From what you've seen on the pitch, behind the scenes,
how much clearer is the identity that San Diego does
do have this blueprint, how it's aligning with the right
to Dream philosophy, not just in this inaugural season, but
Charles for many many more years to come.
Speaker 5 (06:09):
Yeah, Danish soccer is having a moment in MLS. When
I spoke with Zinkernagle about this at the All Star Game,
he said, maybe it's just because we're cheap, right, But
it turns out there is more to it than that,
And especially in the context of SDFC, you have a
natural dovetailing with the Right to Dream global network and
having the club over in Denmark that's been provided a
(06:32):
little bit of proof of concept for some of the
tactical ideas in the game model, and then bringing in
Swertzkov Dryer that cadre who were familiar with the Right
to Dream concepts and the vision had the technical aptitude
and the skill sets to execute. And then the personalities right,
They had to pick the right personalities guys that would
settle in and be able to work with this tremendously international,
(06:55):
diverse group of players on this roster. You have to
give Tyler Heaps and Mikey VARs a ton of credit
for getting it right, not just in what they bring
on the pitch, but the type of people they are
and how they lead and how they get this brand
new voyage underway with such a spectacular start.
Speaker 8 (07:11):
Charles, looking ahead to the matchup that we have in
front of US Conference semifinals ASDFC against Minnesota United, we're
talking about the most possession heavy team in MLS in
San Diego against the least possession heavy team in MLS.
It's a battle of styles. Just looking at what to
expect from this playoff game.
Speaker 5 (07:32):
If you believe in that old boxing adage that styles
make fights, then you're going to love this one, right.
This is almost the narrative peak that you could ask for.
In terms of contrast Minnesota United, who I had the
pleasure speaking with their coach, Eric Ramsey, who's one of
the youngest in the league, one of the rising stars
in not just in MLS coaching circles, but globally. They
(07:53):
delight in having the lowest possession numbers in the league.
They create constant danger through throwns into the box. Some
people consider it a sort of a regressive style of
play because it does it is reactive in some ways.
But if a team like Brentford is using some of
these same ideas to get the best of an outperformed
(08:13):
dollar for dollar pound four pound Manchester United and Chelsea
Arsenal teams like that, then you can imagine that that
there's something going on right. There's something intelligent happening with Minnesota.
They are not one of the biggest spenders in the league.
Far from it, but they have a clear identity, they
believe in what they're doing, and it's going to be
a real, I think, a real challenge for San Diego.
(08:34):
As we saw they split the season series strangely enough.
I believe they both wanted the other's house. And those
who are in attendance for Minnesota's win at Snapdragon a
few months ago will note there's a high wire act
that mikey Varis and SCFC are going to have to
navigate here. Their system involves taking some of the risks
with the ball that Minnesota is designed to exploit and
(08:56):
turn into quick, quick transitions in the other direction. So
going to be fascinating.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
I love it, Charles.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Yes, styles do make fights, and this is a definite
heavyweight fight. Monday Night Football. Don cut me, Meg, No,
I don't think Tyler Heaps is the type of guy
that's gonna be in your corner, that's gonna cut you.
And I don't think he's gonna say, like, why do
you keep wearing that sweater because it brings me. Look, no,
I'll tell you what it brings. It brings flies. Yeah,
(09:25):
that was the great I love Rocky, But this is
what it is, a heavyweight title fight. And Darren Smith
caught up with Tyler Heaps a little earlier today.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
We're gonna bring you that conversation after the break.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
Welcome back. This is behind the flow. Charles is still
with us, but earlier today. Darren Smith is always officially
invited to the got invited to the sporting director's office
this morning, Yes, the principal's office for you, Darren Smith.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
You went to speak to Tyler Heaps. How was he?
Speaker 7 (10:17):
He's always great, He always is great. I mean seven
o'clock in the morning and you wouldn't know it. It
sounded like Tyler had been up for several hours, which
I know he gets up early. But he was what
you would expect from Tyler Heaps. He was honest, he
was reflective, incredibly open about year one, really really insightful stuff.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
Great conversation and Darren, I imagine he had his poker
face on his always he's just always calm, cool, collected,
not too high, not too low. I imagine he hasn't
altered all that much this week with everything on the
line though, No.
Speaker 7 (10:45):
Not at all. Even if you see him five minutes
before the playoff game, which I did. It's just the
same mannerisms. Are you nervous, Tyler, Not really, we play
our football, We're gonna be okay. But it's hard to believe, AGM,
that this has been fifteen months. Tyler Heaps officially got
hired by Santego Football Club in August of twenty twenty four.
So we began our conversation with Tyler trying to put
(11:08):
into words just how incredible this journey has been since
he's become the sporting director at Santego Football Club.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Looking back, it's crazy how far I've come personally, but
also this club has come.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
I have been pretty much through it all.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
I was in the early offices when there were five
or six employees in there, and I've been involved in
pretty much every hiring process for all of our employees too.
So looking back, it's been and rewarding to see what
we've been able to build, how we've been able to
have success so quickly. But I think success is only
a component of the people that we've been able to
bring in and the processes that we've built.
Speaker 7 (11:45):
You talk about a year ago, it's interesting you had
six players under contract. Duran Ferei Yepe Marcus Chucky, Patty
Alex Maighten, Right, we didn't even know some of these
names that have become really household names around the San
Diego sports landscape. But a year ago you were setting
the foundations processes, the recruitment philosophy. What part of your
strategy of your approach feels most validated from where we
(12:08):
were then to where we are today.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
I think we talked a lot about what this team
was going to look like when we had six players.
I think we were very intentional about every player that
we brought in. And then I also think we said
from the beginning, we're going to play this style, and
we recruited into that style. So we were able to
get guys that could solve pressure, we were able to
get guys that are brave.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
And now you see us play.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
And you realize probably why we were looking after those
guys is because we play a very unique way. And
I think we've had a tremendous amount of success doing that.
And so that's where I look at probably the main
component of those early days where let's not just get anybody,
let's not just get good players, Let's get good players
that fit the way we want to do things.
Speaker 7 (12:44):
I remember hearing you say something to the effect of,
when you were trying to sell players on this project,
you were selling a dream, right because you didn't have anything.
You didn't have any video that you could show them
about San Diego Football Club. If you wouldn't mind taking
us back to that recruitment process, those specific moments, what
was that like when you were trying to explain to
some of these players why they should join San Diego
(13:04):
Football Club when you were just selling them on an
idea that didn't have anything really to put in front
of them.
Speaker 1 (13:10):
Yeah, had a keynote presentation. I had a lot of
different pictures of San Diego. It had renderings of what
the training ground would look like. I had FC norchilling
clips that I would show them and I'd say, look
close your eyes and envision that the jersey color is
a little bit different, but this is the way that
we are going to play football. And a lot of
these guys got on a plane and came out here,
and looking back to those days, it was crazy, but
I think that we were able to check so many boxes,
(13:31):
and that's a credit to all the staff that we
had in place to ensure that those players arrived on
day one and they were excited and they were ready
to go.
Speaker 7 (13:37):
Now you've been through a full season, you're into the
postseason as well. What's the biggest thing that you have
learned from Mikey and the best part about working together?
The two of you stride and stride cool.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
I mean, I think we've learned so much from each other.
I think we make a tremendous team.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
We have a lot of common people that we've worked
with in the past but have never worked together, so
we can always reflect on what those relationships were like
with high level individuals in this sport, and I just
think learning together has been the biggest thing. I wouldn't
say there's any one thing, but we have very differing
management styles, which I think is really good. I don't
even think we need to talk before we talk to
the media because we are oftentimes thinking the exact same things.
(14:16):
I tried to watch most training sessions. He's told me
multiple times, if you ever want to come back in
a future life as an assistant coach, I'd always.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Happily take you.
Speaker 7 (14:23):
Do you want to come back as an assistant coach?
Speaker 1 (14:25):
That's a great question. I'm not thinking about five ten years,
the future life from right now. I'm thinking about Monday
and then I try to work on a week by
week basis.
Speaker 7 (14:32):
Obviously, Tyler, this is still the first season for you
as a sporting director. I wonder if you could tell
us maybe a lesson learned or something you know that
you really had to experience to understand. Everybody always says,
was there anything that you were unprepared for? And maybe
that's not the right question, maybe it is, but is
there one thing, though, that you really have to live
through as a sporting director truly to appreciate and understand.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
The one thing I would say is that you can't
predict anything. I think you could take as many classes, courses,
everything out there that would say this is to prepare
you for a sporting director, and you literally cannot predict
what's going to happen on a day to day basis.
And I think it's about making decisions quickly and that
comes every single day you show up to work and
there's a decision that you probably have to make and
everybody's kind of looking at you to make that. And
(15:15):
I've been in the other shoes before where you're the
one that's supporting decisions. But when you're making decisions, it's
different because everyone has a repercussion, some positive, some negative.
And I think that's what's been the biggest learning curve
for me, is how do we make decisions? And I
say we because that is what we do it at
San Diego. We talk openly about what we're doing and
why we're doing it, and it's always to protect the
(15:35):
values and the culture that we've created. Whatever happens in
these next few weeks, we're going to have a successful
first season. But now next year is a new year
and we're no longer an expansion team, and that comes
with more challenges, That comes with more expectations, and I
think that people will expect us to do something like
this again next year. That's from the ownership, but also
the external media and everything that comes with it, and
so that becomes a new challenge and I'm looking forward
(15:57):
to bringing that on and I will learn in this role,
I think every day for the next five ten years.
Speaker 7 (16:01):
All right, Tyler, you know how we do I'm behind
the flow. We like a little rapid fire, quick response,
you know, no real time for you to process and
give us an incredible detailed answer. Here you ready to
rock Yeah, let's do it all right. Biggest misconception about
what a sporting director actually does.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
I think this like ruler from the top of a mountain.
That's I think far from it. I think I'm a
sporting director that likes to be very ingrained with the team.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
I like to make myself seen.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
I like to ensure that they know who I am
just as much as the other way around, and so
just trying to constantly interact with everybody. That's staff, players,
that's kitchen staff, that's athletic trainers. So I try to
be there to be a support for everybody that's on
the ground.
Speaker 7 (16:40):
During transfer windows. What is your caffeine intake? How many
coffees per day?
Speaker 1 (16:44):
I stay consistent with my caffeine take. I do one
in morning and then one after lunch. That's about it
for me. If I do anything else, I'll struggle to
fall asleep.
Speaker 7 (16:51):
Is that it really?
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Wow?
Speaker 7 (16:52):
That's amazing. All right, We'll give that a little time.
Maybe we'll check back in with you in a couple
of years on that one. You are a former player,
right you played which position? Player on Santego Football Club?
Most would resemble Tyler Heaps.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Oh, that's a good question as well. I'd probably say
I always like it. I was probably more like an Annabelgudoy.
I was almost going to say, yeh, babe, I was
a very technical player that actually played right back, but
would play inside because I needed to hide my own defects,
which was my speed. So I would say probably a
mix of Anniball, where I was a very much a
team player.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
I worked both sides of the ball.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
I was technical enough to make an impact, but I
didn't have enough speed to really dominate games.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Good at the dark arts very yeah, slyly, of course.
Speaker 7 (17:32):
I mean Anna ball is very sly with that, not
afraid to pick up a yellow right.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Yeah, exactly, ask what the game's given you.
Speaker 7 (17:38):
Absolutely just one word. What is the hardest part about
building a club from scratch?
Speaker 2 (17:43):
Consistency?
Speaker 1 (17:44):
I think making decisions that are consistency aligned to what
you're trying to do, because if you make decisions day
to day, those always don't correlate with what you're trying
to do long term, and so making sure you're always protecting.
Speaker 7 (17:54):
That most satisfying part of this gig.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
I think seeing the city and how much been able
to show up for this club and again I was
in those early conversations where there were five supporters there
and then to go and to get those playoff games
at home, and those are special moments not only for
the club but for this entire community.
Speaker 7 (18:12):
Any particular advice that you've picked up along the way
that's really helped you in your one.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Well, I've picked up a ton.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
I've had a lot of really good conversations with our
ownership group, with Luxwi and mister Mansour, and I think
just the way that they support through everything has been
really critical and really key for me. From that advice,
but making sure that I know that, no matter what happens,
that they're proud of what we're building, and ensuring that
that's constantly communicated to the leaders here and also ensuring
that they have my full support. I'm young in this
(18:38):
role right, this is my first year. They did take
a chance on me, but to constantly get that feeling
of gratitude from them and the feeling of commitment from
them has been massive for me.
Speaker 7 (18:47):
And last one, is there a moment that is just
indelibly ingrained into your memory bank that if you think
about it, it'll instantly bring a smile to your face.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
Yeah, I think it was.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
It's the Galaxy game at home, and I say it
for a couple of reasons. I think that was a
really special game. I think that was a turning point
of our season as well, with the way that we
want it. And then from a personal standpoint, my wife
was there and she's been able to watch us very
little this year, and so she was up sitting with
the Josh Muse from Sequan and she actually came down
on the field after the game, and Yeah, just being
able to have her there and see how special that
(19:22):
was and see everything that I have had a part
in building. That moment will probably resonate with me because
I haven't had a whole lot of those from a
personal and and professional balance this year. That's been a challenge.
But having her in the stands for that game was
really special.
Speaker 4 (19:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (19:35):
I mean there's a lot to choose from.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
Yeah, exactly, and there's Yeah, there's a lot of key moments.
There's something as simple too, as like being on a
plane ride back from a game. Like some of those
really resonate with me, where you really sit there and
you think, hey, this is a special group and we
think this year could be something special. I think we've
said that a couple of times. Mikey and I have
had a couple of match Day minus one beers together
where we've sat there and been like, hey, this group
could do something special, and you still need things to
(20:00):
go your way, and things have one our away so far,
and hopefully Monday nights another one of those special nights
and we can keep this thing.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Rolling as always, Darren Smith, as you've done all season long, Excelenciertramano,
that was a great conversation. There always is something that
stands out in a conversation with Tyler Heaps. You know,
I know that he loves his Minnesota Twins and the
Minnesota Vikings and he gets all nervous about them, doesn't
get nervous about San Diego FC. But what stood out
(20:26):
to you the most in the line of questioning there
that was excellent.
Speaker 7 (20:30):
Well, I love the you know that he said what
he said about the moment of the season that really
stood out to him and brings a smile to his face.
Speaker 4 (20:36):
And why.
Speaker 7 (20:37):
But I think learning a little bit about Tyler the player,
I mean of all the players that I was going
through my mind thinking who would Tyler compare his style
to Andie Boga doy was.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
Wasn't on the big old cards.
Speaker 7 (20:49):
Hey, Tyler said he was not afraid of the dark
arts when he was a player, not afraid to mix
it up. It's whatever the game commands of you. So
I love that answer. I think we learn a little
bit about him.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
I love that the stoicism, but yet the Jedi mind
tricks and yes, now bocassos, if necessary, do what's required
to win the match. And Charles, you've covered them, You've
talked so many many times and you were listening closely.
Now what stood out to you and what Tyler said?
And looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities
for San Diego in Gear two?
Speaker 5 (21:19):
I do think your two will be just as fascinating,
because when you set records and started so well and
set such a high bar, it is a challenge. Building
is one thing, maintaining is another. So they're going to
have to get the next round of signings right. They're
going to have to make tough decisions about who they
bring back and who they don't for next season's roster.
(21:40):
I think we've only seen us scratch the surface of
what Chucky Lasano can bring to the table. And there's
been some ups and downs in that sense. Right then,
how do you handle life in MLS with a target
on your back. It's one thing to be the up
and comer, to be the new kid that very little
is expected of. When you are the raining blank, whether
it's they stop at braining Western Conference regular season champs
(22:01):
or if they can add an even bigger title in
the next few weeks, everyone will be gunning for them.
And then beyond that is how does that infrastructure pathway
continue to grow? And then, of course we know that
he's under the microscope himself in terms of every decision
he makes right, every signing, every negotiation. Does the current
roster model continue to keep them on the path they
(22:22):
want to be? Do they eventually have to invest in
maybe more high end talent. That's another thing that the
playoffs have a way of doing. They test whether you
have the difference makers who are strong in the clutch.
Does Anders Dryer start to draw attention from big clubs
overseas who've watched what he's done over a full year
and now want to sneak in right and maybe have
(22:42):
a nibble and see if they can test the resolve
of both the player and the club to have this
be a long term relationship. I think you could say
something very similar about Yep. It's first off, he's been excellent,
the quiet cog at the heart of that machine. And
what will they do with Luca Delatore, Right, that's a
tough negotiation that is either on going or still to
be determined. There'll be so many more questions, to say
(23:04):
nothing of the nature that we don't you know yet
of how the season will end.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
And what we do know is that San Diego being
the finest city. These guys say, the sunshine, the beaches,
the calm, the serenity, the love that you feel being
in San Diego, and we get it when players are
going to want to arrive.
Speaker 4 (23:18):
So I'm calling it now.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
Maybe a Raulki Miez might want to pull up an
SD coming into next season, but I'll just throw that
out there into the universe. So, as you heard with Tyler,
it's going to be your turn now and and Darren
take a cooling Breakpapot, because you did a wonderful job
with Tyler. Heaps Ganta and I will we'll land the
plane here on the quick Fire session with Charles boeham
Let's go favorite MLS stadium to cover a match in.
Speaker 5 (23:41):
I'll say Providence Park, Portland.
Speaker 3 (23:44):
Oh nice, that's why that cabin in the woods we
get it.
Speaker 8 (23:49):
A player you love watching who does not get enough attention.
Speaker 5 (23:55):
Love this question, Love this question, and there's so many.
I'll do a little home team love here. It's Vertskov
the six, the iconic vision of a progressive for playing six.
Speaker 3 (24:09):
Yep, it's been absolutely wonderful for this team. Now, favorite
player to ever play in MLS.
Speaker 5 (24:16):
I started in this business cover in DC United, and
he had already moved on, but his legend still remain
in the shadow, still hung over the club. So I'll
say Marco El Diablo Etcheveri, mercurial Bolivian ten.
Speaker 8 (24:30):
This one's I feel going to be easy. One MLS
rule you would change tomorrow?
Speaker 5 (24:37):
How much time we got are not just have to
be the rapid fire? Really just kidding, just kidding. Long term,
maybe long after I'm gone, the people that run this
league and that make the massive investments in this league
that have helped power its rise, will come to realize
that some version a North Amyeric American MLS friendly version
(25:03):
of promotion relegation will bring it dynamism and an energy
to the league that will outweigh the financial considerations and
the structural challenges that come with it.
Speaker 4 (25:14):
Excellent answer.
Speaker 3 (25:14):
Okay, the last one here for a man of many words,
for a poet, I mean again, your last name rhymes
with poem Charles Bohem.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
One word. One word, that's it.
Speaker 3 (25:26):
One word for this semi final matchup between San Diego
FC and Minnesota United.
Speaker 5 (25:32):
Opposites opposites. Yeah, it's a real clash of contrast that's
going to be amazing to watch.
Speaker 8 (25:38):
Nice not to put you on the spot, but yes,
a little bit, you know, just for fun. Who do
you have lifting the cup this year?
Speaker 5 (25:48):
I've learned that predictions in MLS are a fools game. Yeah,
but what I would say is as unoriginal as it
may be, there's a ferocity to what we've seen from
Leo Messio the last few months. Whenever I'm put on
the spot, I have a real hard time betting against
the goat.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
There is a special shine to Leo right now. So
maybe he wants to have a last mic drop, maybe
a championship MLS Cup.
Speaker 4 (26:11):
We'll get it done.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
But in the meantime, I think we we still want
to believe San Diego f C is going all the
way to the MLS Cup and going to be lifting
it with Undre the iron yet and it's gonna be
a beautiful sight to see. But thank you so much
Charles Bonum for joining us here on behind the flow.
And it's always anytime, all.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
Right, stay with us.
Speaker 3 (26:33):
After this short break, we're gonna look ahead to Monday
Night football. Sold out, Murph Dragon, catch you on the
way back, Welcome back. We're into the final part of
(26:56):
the show again. Thank you so much to Charles Boeham,
one of the excellent writers that cover Major League soccer
and soccer on Earth in general. Now, in the regular season, guys,
these two shared some unforgettable moments. We're talking about Minnesota United,
San Diego FC, a halfway line strike, a red card,
an own goal that one hurt, and outstanding performances at
(27:18):
both ends of the pitch.
Speaker 4 (27:20):
As Charles eloquently.
Speaker 3 (27:22):
Put it, styles make fights, big time fight Monday night,
Monday Night football, and that can make it all the same.
Another battle awaits only with the place in the Western
Final on the line. And before we get into our
own predictions, we wanted to bring in a voice who
knows Minnesota United well as well as anyone in Major
League Soccer. One of the elegant narloris that we have available,
(27:45):
and he's got some words. Gatia Costna Callum Williams.
Speaker 8 (27:49):
Callum Williams has been pitchside and in the gantry of
their biggest moments this season, including their dramatics series against
the Seattle Sounders, and he sent us a voice note
early with his take on what San Diego should expect
and how he thinks Monday Night will play out.
Speaker 6 (28:10):
Hi, Adrian, hope you're well and looking forward to what
I think is going to be a fascinating context between
San Diego and Minnesota United. I was fortunate enough to
commentate on Game two and Game three of the series
between Minnesota and Seattle Sounders over the course of what
has been a crazy playoff period. Look, Minnesota are what
they are. They're almost quite English in their approach in
the fact that they're direct, they're aggressive, they know what
(28:33):
they are and they play to their strengths. They have
individuals that can cause problems, the likes of Robin Lude,
the likes of Jaquim Parreda. Triantis in midfield as well
is very good at making late surging runs and can
offer something from the edge of the box. But their
issue has been at center forward this year. Since the
loss of Tanny olowashe their goals for average has dropped significantly.
Yoboa hasn't scored, and I think it's twelve games now.
(28:55):
He's not been fit for some time. So what I
think they'll do is they'll look to play for set peas.
Speaker 2 (29:00):
They'll look for.
Speaker 6 (29:01):
Long throws from Michael Boxall. I think Minnesota scored twenty
two goals from set pieces in the regular season throughout
the course of the campaign, more than anybody in Major
League Soccer. So again, they know what they are. They
have their threats from certain areas. But I wander now,
because Josef Brazzales is suspended, I would assume Anthony Markanick
would come in at left wing back. That's his traditional role,
(29:22):
is a modern day forward thinking full back. He's got
ten goals this year as well Adrian, so again I
would assume that he would continue those aggressive thoughts and
want to join in on the attack when Minnesota have
the opportunity to do so. I suspect they'll do so.
In transition against San Diego and look, maybe that is
where San Diego can get the better of Minnesota United.
(29:42):
When the likes of Merchanic go forward, can the likes
of Dryer find a way in behind. It'll be really interesting.
Speaker 4 (29:48):
Can't wait to watch.
Speaker 6 (29:49):
And I'm going to say San Diego will find victory
over Minnesota United by three goals to one.
Speaker 3 (29:58):
Callum Williams, one of the great voices covering soccer, crossed
up Planeta. So twenty two set piece goals. I mean,
they've been reading from the Book of Spells all season long.
They have their magic tome gout.
Speaker 8 (30:09):
There definitely a strong suit for them when it comes
to set pieces. This will only be the third competitive
match between as DFC and Minnesota United. We already talked
about the Battle of Stiles. Both sides have recorded a
victory a piece with an average of five goals per
game scored, which is crazy between those previous two meetings
(30:30):
that we've been talking about. And if you like the stets,
I'm taking this one away from you, Darren. But if
we think about what San Diego is doing as standing,
one point ninety five goals per game is what they
are doing this season. But on the other side, Minnesota
is really good defensively, and they have only allowed one
point twenty four goals per game in twenty twenty five,
(30:51):
and they have Dane Saint Clair in between the sticks,
so I think, aside from set pieces, that's also something
that as the sc has to be in the lookout
for because it's what they're really good at.
Speaker 7 (31:03):
Yeah, Dane Saint Clair had twelve saves against Stating a
Football club when they played here in September. He might
have wrapped up Goalkeeper of the Year that night. I
mean SDFC had him under all sorts of pressure. It's
interesting to hear Callum talk about merchanic and set pieces
since the opener of that match was a corner kick
merchanic header into the net, which was the first goal.
(31:24):
I don't know, there's something about Minnesota, you know, since
they came here and won that game at Snapdragon Stadium,
they've only Now this is tricky and it's going to
sound like I'm splitting hairs here, but their actual official
record is one win in all competitions, four losses and
three draws. They've advanced because they wont a couple of
penalty kick shootouts against Seattle, but they've won one time,
(31:44):
and that might be their best strategy here is try
to go to a penalty kick shootout. So there's something
that's just a little off. They lost the Open Cup match.
They lost on Decisions Day to La Galaxy of All Clubs,
so you know they're here. You have to give him credit.
It's a different style, for sure. In the style I
will make the fight, but I believe more on the
San Diego style than they do in the Minnesota United style.
Speaker 4 (32:05):
Oh man, I can feel it, guys.
Speaker 3 (32:06):
It's just the energy of the energy of prints coming
into effect. It's gonna be dramatic, just like a guitar solo,
and we're gonna see maybe I don't know how a
feeling again el is gonna go full put pro rain
on them and drop a couple of goals. But Darren
Domas the La Joya Oracle, your vision tells you final
score to make it concrete.
Speaker 7 (32:26):
Is three to one.
Speaker 3 (32:27):
And now got Cana your score line final.
Speaker 2 (32:31):
Score Greta too.
Speaker 8 (32:32):
I think it's gonna be crazy.
Speaker 4 (32:34):
All right.
Speaker 3 (32:34):
And as for me, the Mission Bay Medium, the Mission
Valley Bruka told me the final score will be San
Diego FC threes Minnesota United three to two, and it's
gonna be Jeffetersko dropping in the goal that makes the
difference and sends us across into the next part.
Speaker 4 (32:57):
Of the underworld that is gonna be you know, on
our way in my less now.
Speaker 8 (33:00):
Going to would you look up an Etsy.
Speaker 4 (33:03):
Etsyukhan Etsy.
Speaker 3 (33:05):
She she broke it down for us real quick, you know,
because now they have apps like get your Prediction. Now
it's like, all right, but that's it. So three to
two I love it and that's it.
Speaker 7 (33:13):
Yeah, I mean, yep, they got them last time, so
why not do it again.
Speaker 4 (33:16):
Let's go, let's do let's do it again.
Speaker 3 (33:24):
And that brings us to the end of this semi
final edition of Behind the Flow. Our thanks again to
Tyler Heaps, Charles Boham, Callum Williams and is always the
two of the best Darren and Goatya, thank you guys.
Speaker 7 (33:38):
Cannot wait for Monday night?
Speaker 4 (33:40):
Can I wait?
Speaker 7 (33:41):
Can I wait? Back in mission valid dam let's go see.
Speaker 8 (33:44):
You all on Monday another solout crowd atmosphere is going
to be electric.
Speaker 3 (33:48):
Let's go and we're going to be back next week
to reflect on Monday night with any luck to look
ahead at a Western Conference final involving San Diego FC.
Wherever you're listening, make sure to follow the podcasts for
you're first to receive the next episode. For Darren, Forgatia,
and everybody else that made this possible. I'm Adrian Garcia
Marcus and this has been behind the flow. You've been
(34:09):
dipped in a suli chrome
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