Episode 27: Western Final Preview — Ian Joy on San Diego’s Rise, Rookie Brilliance & the Müller Test
November 28, 2025 • 32 mins
San Diego FC are heading to the Western Conference Final — in their inaugural MLS season. A tense 1–0 win over Minnesota United, sealed by Anders Dreyer’s strike and Ian Pilcher’s extraordinary goal-line clearance, has pushed this expansion side into rare territory. Another sellout. Another statement night.
Adrian García-Márquez hosts alongside Katia Castorena and Darren Smith, as the team relive Monday’s playoff drama — the control, the composure, and the rookie defensive unit that continues to play beyond its years.
Joining them is San Diego’s own Ian Joy, who offers his perspective on the win, the unfolding identity of this SDFC side, and why Snapdragon already feels like a true football ground. He reflects on his journey from San Diego to St. Pauli, life in the MLS commentary booth, and what makes this club so compelling in Year One.
Ian also looks ahead to Saturday’s Western Final: Vancouver’s evolution under Thomas Müller, the threats San Diego must prepare for, and the tactical battles that could decide who reaches MLS Cup.A rookie back line rising to the moment.
A city surging behind its club.A sell-out Blue Out inside 24 hours — with a chance to reach MLS Cup in Year One.
Playoff football. A Western Final.A moment San Diego will never forget.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
San Diego were advancing to the Western Come from finel.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
This is Behind the Flow, the podcast that takes you
inside San Diego FC's remarkable first season in Major League
Soccer on Monday night, Monday night. Are you ready for
some football? Yes, Monday night football. And it was one
of those nights we will never ever forget in their
(00:38):
inaugural years. San Diego f C are headed and listen
to me closely, come close to the bike in the air.
San Diego C are headed to the Western Conference Final. Yes,
a tense, courageous, hard fought, won nothing win over Minnesota United,
A decisive strike by that sniper, Andre's Dryer, one shot,
one kale, and a deep the performance full of just
(01:01):
tantantan gravitas and the belief defined by that goal line
clearance courtesy of Ian Doll shall not pass Pilcher. Yes,
and they did it in front of thirty two thousand,
five hundred and two fans, another sellout in a city
that has embraced this team in a way few expansion
(01:21):
sides have ever done and experienced. All Right, later, we're
gonna be joined by someone who understands this football city
as deeply as anyone. San Diego z own ian joy.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Seeing the name San Diego associated with Major League Soccer.
That's where I was born and I'll always be proud
of soccer in San Diego.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
And we'll look ahead to Saturday night, the Western Final,
a blueout San Diego e FC snap Dragon Stadium receiving
the Vancouver White Cap. Tickets are gone, guys, within twenty
four hours, poop like Pancaliente sold and everything now is
on the line as San Diego EBS faced this incredible
(02:00):
Vancouver White Cap side for a place in the MLS Cup.
All of that and so much more on this very
special episode. I gotta do it like on TV. All
of that and more on this very special episode up
Behind the Flow. I'm Adrian, you gotta see them out
(02:27):
of case. Welcome to Behind the Flow. And there's one
word that describes it all. Wow. Darren Smith, Vantia castor Rena.
We're on to the Western Conference Final in year one
and within twenty four hours, I'm gonna call it twenty
one hours, sold out, completely and absolute joyed. What was
it like for the two of you guys inside the stadium?
Speaker 4 (02:49):
Yeah, I mean it brought back a lot of memories
about all the big sporting events in Mission Valley, especially
some of those Monday night games. The traffic was different
than it was when we go in on Saturdays or
the rare Sunday games, and I'd have a lot of flashbacks.
Speaker 5 (03:01):
It's been ten years.
Speaker 4 (03:02):
Since we had a Monday night football game in San Diego.
So it was an amazing experience. From the time you
were getting off the fifteen freeway on Friars Road and
making the way into the parking lot, it was phenomenal.
Speaker 6 (03:15):
Even the parking lot, it got filled up pretty quickly.
The spot that I usually take, all those were gone.
I'm like, oh wow, you can feel it in the air.
It's a different game, It's a different moment. Everyone was
just like so locked in and then yes, you know me.
I'm there in the press box before the game in
Luidi Wedi and Chief Mans. I get to talk to
(03:37):
colleagues and friends from Tijuana and they're from San Diego
that I haven't seen in a while. Even outside the stadium,
I was running into friends from high school that I had.
I was like, oh my gosh, so yes. It was
definitely special an experience in every way.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
And it was absolutely that It's the vibe of the
city of San Diego. But leading up to it, and
Darren Gante, I know you guys, we were just kind
of receiving phone calls all week long, just like I was,
from friends, from family, just people that wanted to be
part of the energy, even from a distance, because they
see something special, a team that keeps proving everybody wrong,
(04:15):
the expectation. Charles boem Fest up right here on this show,
I'm behind the flow last week, like, all right, I
got it wrong. I didn't expect them to get this far.
I mean, none of us actually did, but the city
of San Diego, it just feels like FRONTEI ISD and
everybody that's been kind of showing up to be part
of the Murph Dragon experience. It's almost like they expected
this from San Diego. They're like, oh no, this is
(04:36):
what we expected, this is what we built, and it's
just a beautiful thing to see it all come together
and the vibe, the energy from kickoff, it was out
of this world. I enjoyed every second Darren and I
were together on Monday night football calling the action on
Jamming ninety five point seven. This week, we're on San
Diego Sport seven sixteen. But take a listen. This was
the vibe on Monday night and moving. We are on
(05:01):
the air and cruising. Let's do Nighty first dangerous opportunity
for Minnesota night. It cuts him back to his left
and it's same, last possible second kick it down there.
Enormis huge, bigtime.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
The ball was about to sneak in but it wasn't
allowed to enter.
Speaker 7 (05:19):
That is a goal saving slide from Ian Pilcher out
of nowhere. That ball was going in the back of
the net. Pilcher slid in there kept it from going
in goal. Not only a goal saving slide from Ian Pilcher,
potentially a game saving season sending slide from Pilcher.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Yep, it lips it trying to get it into the
area for Corey Bart who heals it back on. There's
the Yad goal and it said Palladello, deliver it again.
Dada faro bum far up bump bumb Paladeto Ryan in
(05:58):
San Diego. He correct it. Go Asso Andersdal always on fire,
your MVP, your MBI Pilatto shows up when you need
the most anders dryer, right place, right time.
Speaker 7 (06:13):
Just turn this place electric in snap Dragon.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Stadium now it's marcus Ingberts and bowl in the air
still with Minnesota United still trying to be dangerous. Christopher
McVeigh out jumps them all, Bablo Sia and is just
gonna dial up one eight.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
Hundred win San diegofs here all advancing to the Western
Conference Final.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Just feeling that again, reliving it, you get goosebumps, guys,
I mean, can must play the most I see.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
I think the match kind of went according to what
we all predicted in terms of possession and passing and
patience and discipline. And they play a style and we
play a style, and our style is very much defined
and it even gets elevated a little bit more under
a match condition like this with the possession. So I
didn't think there was anything all that surprising, which just
opened it up to the small moments in the game,
(07:15):
which feel like small moments but turn into big moments, right, Katya,
Like the margins were so small that it was just
always going to be about something happening one moment two
moments here that would put one team into the Western
Conference Final and the other team heading home.
Speaker 6 (07:31):
We expected that, and we know that's going to happen
when all of this is at stake, and in this moment,
nobody wants to go home. So yes, all those details,
so those moments are so important, and those make the difference.
The way they defended, the way they kept running and
fighting for every single ball, that's what made the difference here.
And then you tie it back to what we've heard
(07:52):
all season long, when the whole idea around this club,
around this team, and Mikey's philosophy right to Dream Academy
and all is just run more than the opponents, train
harder because the way you train is the way you're
going to play. And those moments we're seeing it. Ian
Pilter kept running and had that clearance literally to save
(08:14):
that goal on the goal line, even Corey Bird, you know,
fighting for that ball that back he'll pass, and then
of course Dryer being there to fussy latter I just
don't know what other word to say, fussy Lattakaoka because
he had been pretty good too. So all those big
moments were there for San Diego, but because they've worked
(08:34):
for those moments.
Speaker 5 (08:36):
Even little things.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
Marcus Inbertzen comes in late in this game and gives
you thirteen minutes I think it was, and gets credited
for six clearances, you know, and there's a couple of
times where the ball is just dangerously there in the
eighteen yard box and Marcus kind of comes out of nowhere.
We expect him to be a goal scorer and he
boots it out of play.
Speaker 6 (08:54):
Out of everything that we've talked about, I think this
is very, very impressive because we are talking about about
the youngest back line, These players that came together last minute,
some out of position like Manudua, and honestly, during that
dip that San Diego had in the season, it was
thanks to Manudua in that moment that they kind of
(09:17):
like roast again defensively. And what we're seeing out of
this three rookies and Bombino, Pilcher and Dua during the
playoffs with the stakes at its highest, it's been honestly
incredible to watch and witness. We talked about this during
the Mikey Badist episode and he said that the difference
it's the confidence, the confidence that they get from the
(09:39):
coaching staff and from their teammates that even though they
might make mistakes, they know they have their back and
everybody has their back, and that confidence, it's what it's
allowing them to play the way they have.
Speaker 5 (09:52):
Can I just say real quick.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
I don't know if I did or didn't get this
end of the broadcast, but Monday night was one year
to the day from Monudua's final college game.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Yeah, you did. That was awesome. That was awesome when
you dropped it in there.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
UCSB got eliminated in the NCAA Tournament by Stanford A
one year ago on Monday night, and here he is
chasing down Kelvin Yabola and making big play after big
play to help SDFC advance to the Western Conference Final.
I mean, that's an amazing thing. Only six players under
contract a year ago and this guy was just finishing
his college career before becoming a household name in San
(10:27):
Diego football club history.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Well that's our take on the night. Now let's bring
in our guest born in San Dieg when the finest
city win of the finals. People also raised in the game.
A Bundesliga veteran, an MLS commentator on Ermano and friend
of the show, Ian joy In. Such a pleasure to
have you on with us at money.
Speaker 5 (10:50):
Thank you so much for having me on.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
It's always great to see your face and hear that
wonderful voice.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Thank you now as you heard man, what a night?
What a night? I mean you heard Darren when Gantia's
take on the big moments? What stood out to you
the most about the performance itself and the way San
Diego handled the pressure, the moment, the city, everything all combined.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
Yeah, Honestly, from that type of a performance, I think
it's really important to reflect major league soccer playoffs are
not easy.
Speaker 5 (11:16):
They're very difficult.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Sometimes you expect the unexpected, sometimes you get an opponent
that can actually spring a surprise and have a top
class performance, and sometimes you need to ride your luck
every now and again, and that's what happened in this
matchup as well. But also I think you allow your
quality to shine through waiting for that one clean cut
opportunity in front of goal to be able to seize
upon the moment.
Speaker 5 (11:36):
And that's what major league soccer is all about.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
That's what soccer is all about in history, right, we
go through so many different competitions worldwide. It's about moments
and games and taking your opportunity, and I think San
Diego did exactly that in the game. You don't have
to play well for ninety minutes You don't have to
play well for one hundred and twenty minutes over over
multiple games in the playoffs. You just need to find
moments in those games to make sure that you see
(11:59):
yourself through to the next game and the next tie,
and then one step further getting closer and closer to
getting your hand on silverware.
Speaker 6 (12:06):
You talk about San Diego's mindset, what Hall's surprised you
about this team.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
Katia, You know, it's not easy.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
When you put a team together in a very short
period of time and you expect a chemistry to just
be on point, it rarely ever happens. And in Major
League soccer, if you go through the history books, you
saw I think probably Saint Lewis most recently had good
success in their debut season prior to that.
Speaker 5 (12:27):
There's not many there really isn't.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
It's very difficult, especially away records of Major League Soccer,
so rare to see an away record like San Diego
had this season. I've been lucky enough, obviously to watch
San Diego a couple of times in person this year,
and just the way they move the ball around, every
single player seems to be on the same page when
they celebrate the whole team comes together. It's very rare
and in particular Major League Soccer, to find that type
(12:51):
of chemistry so quickly inside a locker room.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
Now, I know you understand the San Diego vibes. Your
dad is a former San Diego soccer though. Brian Joyetmano
just kind of walk us through being a guy that
has San Diego in his heart and having a little
bit of San Diego soccer is under that uniform at Ruano.
It just kind of walk us through how special it's
been for the city.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
Well, similar to you, Agm, it's in the heart, right,
It's in the bloodline, and I think it's important to
always remember where you came from.
Speaker 5 (13:18):
And for me in particular, there was a hint of jealousy.
Speaker 3 (13:20):
I'm not gonna lie that San Diego was maybe fifteen
years too late for me to have returned to Major
League Soccer and played for San Diego. That would have
been pretty special. We've talked about it over hours and
hours together and yeah, for me, it was pride immediately
calling my family having a conversation, can you actually believe
it's finally happening to have this team in Major League
(13:42):
Soccer from San Diego? Seeing the badge for the first time,
seeing the name San Diego associated with Major League Soccer,
It's a dream come true. And even though I'm not
associated with the team, even though I've never even been
to a game in San Diego, just shit to me.
It's still one that you're just looking corner of your
eye with an element of pride, knowing that that's where
(14:03):
you came from, that's where I was born, and you know,
I'll always be proud of soccer in San Diego.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
All right, that's Ian's take on the match. After the break,
we're gonna have a lot more from him, and of
course we're looking ahead at Saturday's Western Conference Finals. Stay
with us, Stay dipped in Krom Andasu, welcome back. This
(14:38):
is behind the flow and the San Diego prepares for
their biggest match of their season and their young lives.
The Western Conference Finals sold out in under twenty four
hours tickets were on sale. Like Bancaliente Gan, we're joined
by one of the voices of Major League Soccer, also
a crack when it comes to CBS, Golasto Network. Everything
(14:58):
that he enjoy which is he brings joy to the table.
Bundle of Joey Edvano. You took an oncoming path for
an American player, American born, leaving home, carvering out a
career in Europa Saint Pauli la Bundesliga. And what did
those years teach you, Ramana, about football itself and about you?
Speaker 1 (15:16):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (15:16):
I mean it was a long journey as a professional.
After three years in San Diego, we've moved back to Europe.
And once I got to fifteen sixteen years old, picked
up by a professional team, went to Tranmere Rovers in
the Merseyside area, and by that point I was still
in high school. Before I got my professional I was
getting picked up by the US national team youth structure,
(15:37):
which was to me incredible. I remember actually coming over
to San Diego. We went to the Olympic training Center,
and oh, man, I must have been fifteen years old.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
I was still in high school.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
And even in those days, when I was playing with
college kids and kids from all across the United States
of America who were the best that the US had
at that age group, I could tell I had something
and I knew that there was something to really dive
into and really go for it. I was lucky enough
to spend some time at Manchester United as a youth schoolboy,
so I know it was good, but I didn't realize
(16:09):
how good I could potentially be. My career was slightly
derailed by a bad knee injury at sixteen. I'm told
I was never going to play professional ever in my
career again by the first doctor that saw me. Basically
had to go through the US Soccer Federation to get
approval for my need to continue to play soccer, and
(16:29):
from that point on to all three of you, it
was just a joy every single time I got to
go out there on the field to play football.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
So obviously I went through England.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
I spent some time in the lower leagues, which I
absolutely loved, gained a lot of experience, met some crazy people,
not just UAGM who are the craziest of my life,
but also got to a really nice level. When I
made a decision to gamble and go to Germany, I
ended up at AHSV Hamburg, who were in the Champions
League at the time, and then eventually went onto some Polish.
These moments are just so cherished within my heart. I
(17:01):
was so lucky to play the game and I made
it all the way up to the Under twenty three
team for the US national team. But there's no doubt
that my knee injury derailed my whole career. I saw
a career for myself in the entertainment industry post soccer,
so that's why I decided to go to Major League Soccer.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Great call.
Speaker 5 (17:19):
I got to call.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Games and got to work in television studios. While I
was still playing, I spent some time at Rail Salt Lake.
We had success there, and then ended up at Portland
Timbers and that was my last year before age twenty
nine and retired and then went into to media shortly
after that.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Ian.
Speaker 4 (17:37):
I want to talk to you a little bit about
your transition from playing to broadcasting, because I've worked with
former players during that transition, and I'm always struck by
how surprised some of them seemed to be, Like, Oh,
this is real work. I can't just show up as
a former player and just give you some thoughts. You've
never struck me as somebody who approaches the job that way.
(17:58):
I can tell the level of prep, I can tell
how much this has been successful for you.
Speaker 5 (18:03):
Can you talk to us a little bit about that.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
What surprised you about being in the booths seeing the
game from a different angle and what's turned you not
only from successful playing career but also successful broadcasting career.
Speaker 3 (18:16):
It started very early for me, actually, so I started
working and taking every single media opportunity I possibly could,
even at sixteen, seventeen, eighteen years old. So by the
time I hit twenty nine, I had called maybe twenty games.
I had been in forty different studios in English and
in German and put myself completely out of my comfort
(18:36):
zone to get used to the fact that is this
the world I want to step into. Is it something
I can feel like I would be good at and
maybe I could help? And I got really, really lucky
when I retired because soccer media in the United States
of America around about two thousand and twelve thirteen was
just starting to boom. It's just starting to go through
(18:59):
the room if the US national team were having success, obviously,
and then all of a sudden, the TV rights became
valuable for soccer. I got to go to the twenty
fourteen World Cup in Brazil. My studio was on the
Copa Cabana. I only retired like three years before this,
so my mind was just blown about the opportunity. But
as AJM will tell you, some people are born for
(19:21):
this industry, and I feel like I'm born for this industry.
Speaker 6 (19:25):
Ian when you're calling a big game a night where
you feel history in front of you unfolding, what does
that do for you as the commentator? How does your
mindset change how you're calling the game? Does it change
at all?
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Not really?
Speaker 6 (19:38):
Or just what are the emotions like in that moment.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
It actually takes me back to preparing for a game
as a player, It really does. Again, the preparation is
so important for the confidence that you go into a
booth with, or if you're going into a studio and
preparation of a game as simply as I would go
into a locker room trying to get my team ready
and up.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
For the game.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Confidence is so important in the industry. For me, it's
energy for me, It's about passion. For me, it's about
showcasing exactly how important moments are in our beautiful game,
making sure that those moments are never forgotten, that the
moment was celebrated in the way, honored in the way
it should be.
Speaker 5 (20:15):
That's important for me.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
So when I get into a booth, I am one
hundred percent prepared probably three days of preparation, maybe too
much information, and in the end I probably use about
twenty percent of the information that I actually write down.
Speaker 4 (20:29):
I love what you said about the information that really resonates,
as AGM can tell you when he looks over and
sees a million little notes.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
And when you're ready, when you're prepared, you just let
it flow and just let it fly. I got like
a wrap around the street. You got to go just boom,
just go, let it fly, let the lyrics go. Now
that comes into the preparation, and that leads us to
the quick fire session right here with the enjoy and
it's going to start off with a very close to
the subject question edim. I know because this is a
debate we all have as broadcasters. I don't know when
(20:56):
Katya does her prep or Darren does his prep, because
I know they do a lot of prep, just like
you do a lot of prep. Are you naught? She?
Are you I'm beat? Are you a night prep guy?
Or is that you in the morning with the sunshine
and the birds chirping as soon as the sun rises
you're starting doing at your prep.
Speaker 5 (21:15):
You know my pain.
Speaker 3 (21:16):
I got three kids, so I try to squeeze it
in anytime I possibly can. Trying to find that quiet
time is not always easy, So it's any time I get.
Speaker 6 (21:23):
And favorite MLS stadium to call imagine. Of course, aside
from San Diego Portland Timbers.
Speaker 3 (21:30):
My last season was a professional there. I've actually never
called a match there, so I can't say calling a
match there would be favorite. But it's my favorite atmosphere
and it's my favorite energy. It's everything about Portland has
been super exciting for me, so I can only dream
that one day I'll get the chance to call a
game there.
Speaker 4 (21:51):
Most exciting player that you get the broadcast.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
For, well, I got to tell you keeping it to
San Diego Dryer. I caught his performance in Chicago and
that was my first time seeing him in person.
Speaker 5 (22:02):
That was pretty special.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
A realistic signing for next season and moving forward for
San Diego FC that you would love to see play
football in the finest city.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
Oh wow, that's a great question because you got to
pick and choose places in the team that actually needs improvement.
You know, there's one player that I've had my eye
on who probably going to end up somewhere else because
of his ties to that city. But one player I
think would be excellent and major League soccer, and that
is Josh Sargent.
Speaker 6 (22:34):
And when we are talking about that Santa Claus wish list,
a dream signing anyone in world football, no limit, who.
Speaker 3 (22:41):
Would that be, I would probably say, Oh Man, probably
Arling Holland. I think just his presence and just his stature,
just his goal scoring. I think he's one of the
most unbelievable footballers. I actually saw him when he was
(23:02):
a teenager, scoring eleven goals in one game for Norway's
youth side. That was the first time I saw. I
was like, who is this guy?
Speaker 5 (23:10):
And finally we'll let.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
You get out on one word here, Snapdragon or Saint Pauli,
which atmosphere surprised you more?
Speaker 3 (23:17):
Oh, it surprised me more, not one word. I can't
give you one word because that's not how I do it.
I've never actually been to snap Dragon, so I can't
say that. So I'm going to stick with the honest
answer and say, FC Sympauli is very hard to beat
that one, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
All right, stay with us after this break, we're gonna
look ahead at the Western Conference Final. Yes, you heard
it right, the Western Conference Final. San Diego FC, hom up,
(23:55):
welcome back. We're into the final part of the flow,
a sold down Snapdragon, a blueout, and it's going to
continue on Saturday. Versus Vancouver met him twice this season,
a wild five to three win at BC Place and
then a one to one draw here at Snapdragon Stadium,
rescued late by an Ian Pilcher equalizer. Man Ian's been
(24:19):
big time first rounder. Him and Manudua talk about nailing
the first round and in the super draft. Now Vancouver
arrive after knocking out the formidable laf C side on penalties,
and they look a very different side to the one
we faced earlier in the year because there's this one guy, Uh,
what's his name again, Thomas Muller, Yes, it's Muller.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Time.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
Ian, let's bring you back in here. You know Vancouver
very well. Where do you feel they are right now
as a team based on what you've seen across this season.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
Yeah, one of the most talented teams in Major League soccer.
They play a very very pleasing on the eye style
of soccer, very very quick style, very dangerous ones. They
get into the final third creativity wise, there's a vision
that few teams of Major League Soccer have had this year.
They obviously have some experience now with Muller coming into
the side, but I think they also have a Major
(25:11):
League Soccer experience as well, and I think there's a
number of top players that you have to be very
careful and mindful of. But they actually checked the box
all over the field. Every single position essentially is covered.
Not only with one quality player, they have players in
abundance who are sitting on a bench who can't even
get into their team. So this is going to be
a real challenge. One of the best footballing sides I
(25:32):
have been able to cover this season in Major League
Soccer has been Vancouver and they actually caught me by surprise.
Speaker 5 (25:38):
I have to agree.
Speaker 6 (25:39):
I was in Vancouver early this year and I was
surprised about what I've seen and how they've developed over
the course of the season. When we look at this
Vancouver side, what would you say in is their biggest weapon?
Speaker 5 (25:52):
Offensively? Is their biggest weapon?
Speaker 3 (25:54):
For me, They've got paced down the channels, like getting
wide and putting crosses into the box, and obviously when
you've got a goal scorer always helps, and I think
obviously White has been deadly this season. But they threw
Muller in there, you know, when nobody expected him to
go to Vancouver, and I think he made them a
better sight. And actually, at that period of time, if
you remember Vancouver, we're kind of having a little bit
of a dip period and then Muller turns up and
(26:16):
all of a sudden.
Speaker 5 (26:16):
They pick back up again and they're off to the races.
Speaker 3 (26:20):
So you've got to always be careful the pace and
behind in the final third, they're they're incredibly electric.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
In lastly, we spent weeks talking about the contrasting tactical
approaches between Minnesota United and San Diego Football Club. How
do you see this one being played? Where is it one?
Where is it lost?
Speaker 2 (26:38):
Well?
Speaker 3 (26:38):
I think San Diego got to play their football and
not care about who the opponent actually is. And sometimes
you're guilty of it with Minnesota in particular, sitting back
so deep and actually inviting the pressure. It's about patient
and trying to be patient. So San Diego have to
play their game and obviously creating chances of what they
do best, and they have players who can unlock defenses
in Major League Soccer and around the world. But also
(27:01):
they got talent to find a goal, not it's important.
You got to take your chances in these games. So
actually I'm gonna flip it. I'm going to say it's
not about moments going forward which will eventually decide these trophies.
I think it's about defensively, who has the solid defense,
which goalkeeper performs better. I think that's going to be
the difference in both of these games going forward as
you get closer and closer to THEMLS come.
Speaker 2 (27:22):
But as always, Savo, what you do at MANA when
it comes to breaking it down giving us the info,
you do it across planet Earth, wherever you are, wherever
there's a microphone and there's the enjoy. There's fairly see that. Mno,
thank you again for doing this and joining us here
on behind the floor.
Speaker 5 (27:36):
No pleasure, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (27:37):
And now now, Darren Kantia, what do San Diego FC
need to do to win the Western Conference Final?
Speaker 6 (27:46):
Kantia, They have to stay true to who they are.
They made it thus far being who they are now
they are at home in front of a sellout crowd again.
They just have to keep pressure and keep the possession
and be tied to fense. To leave Vancouver is going
to be a whole different team that what they sign.
Minnesota is going to be very difficult.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
They have very.
Speaker 6 (28:07):
Talented players and it's going to be a real challenge
for the young back line that we've been talking about,
and they just have to stay focused and keep pressuring
keeping the ball and that's going to be their best defense.
Speaker 4 (28:18):
I think just appreciating the moment. Honestly, this opportunity is
so special for these guys, and they've really risen to
the occasion. They know they can beat Vancouver because they've
done it. They got five goals past this amazing goalkeeper
earlier this year. They know that he can be beaten.
I think Vancouver a little bit different away from home,
so I think they're going to come out flying on
(28:40):
Saturday night. They've come this far, so I do think
that this is just an opportunity that they're going to
relish and they're going to take advantage of.
Speaker 2 (28:48):
I'm going to look at it from this angle. There's
one guy that's been hibernating in it. I'm not going
to say scares me, but it worries me a little bit.
The White Wolf, Brian White hasn't scored. Guy dropped in
fourteen goals during the regular season, but he hasn't scored
during the playoffs, so Manudua is definitely going to have
some work to do this. Center backs, obviously Christopher McVay,
that whole back line, boys crew, they're gonna have to
dance with that devil. And I think that that right
(29:09):
there is key. I think also that back line, there's
a couple of injuries. Uh you know, they've always had
a stalwart like a Beasaidi Noovic, They've had Utek back there.
There's gonna be some changes and some adjustments in front
of doc Oka that could be exploited. But there is
one guy that I want to mention who's brilliant and
he doesn't get enough love and he should get a
lot more love. Andres kuwas that's their yet pitevskof and
(29:31):
that's the guy that glues it all together. He finds
passage upfield and when he connects with Mueller getting the
ball up field and then coming up the flanks, you
know you have an ali a med flying down there.
It can be a very complicated team to cover up
on and and I think we're going to be just fine.
I think they're going to be up to the task.
But at the end of the night, styles make fights,
and this is going to be a heavyweight battle two
(29:53):
teams that are going to be relentless all night long.
So now break out your crystal balls, guys. I need
the prediction, now, the actual score.
Speaker 4 (30:01):
I think Vancouver very stingy, stingiest team away from home
all season long in MLS. I'm going to go to
one SDFC late winner Choky Lozano Jansch again and he
will score for SDFC, a prolific winner in his career
to send SDFC to the MLS Cup Final.
Speaker 6 (30:19):
And they're not going to have their Emil's Defender of
the Year and one of the best players that they've
had in Tristan Blackman after getting that red card. I
believe this is going to be real close. It's going
to be a nail bier and I think we might
even see another PK shootout. It's going to be crazy,
but I feel like it's going to go down to
(30:41):
the wire. That's my prediction. And then PKS, anything can happen.
Speaker 2 (30:46):
No, no, PKS No. I believe in our guys. I
believe in he'll be up to the test. But I
don't know. I'd rather just win it ninety minutes, get
it taken care of, and I'm gonna throw this in
there right now. It's going to be three two San
Diego FC sing, let's go.
Speaker 5 (31:04):
Okay, that's a hot take.
Speaker 2 (31:07):
Three Towo's that's my prediction and I'm sticking.
Speaker 4 (31:10):
I'll take it.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
I agree with you.
Speaker 4 (31:12):
No penalties. They're riding two matches in a row, winning
in PK shootout, so I'm fine to leave that one
somewhere north of the border.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Yes, yes, because there's always something that surges it the
worst possible time during PKS. We want to win it
inside of ninety minutes, maybe ninety plus, but let's get
it done and move on to the MLS Cup with
the possibility again of hosting an MLS Cup in year
one en route to become the greatest expansion side ever.
And that brings us to the end of this Western
Conference Final preview on Behind the Flow. Our thanks to
(31:40):
Ian Joy Bundalo Joy is always and as always to God,
her majesty Gastine and literally the nickname is starting to
kick in now and Darren Smith always invited to that
got in as out of guys you're invited to give
us your final thoughts on how we're going to feel
the flow on Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (31:55):
I love some of the images after the match of
every single player, whether they were from Mark, from Sweden,
from Finland, everybody looks at each other now and they just.
Speaker 5 (32:04):
Go vomos, vomos.
Speaker 4 (32:07):
So I will I will also just say Saturday night, vomos,
let's go.
Speaker 6 (32:13):
I love how we're all in sync, because I was
just going to say, bamos.
Speaker 2 (32:20):
It's it's an absolute thing for us on this Thanksgiving weekend.
And I'm also thankful for one detail. Yep at there's
I mean, I'm thankful for and there there are a
lot of players, but yep at there's golf. Thank you
for arriving at America's finest city. And he had this, uh,
just this great quote when on Monday he said, sometimes
as a player, you feel you have something special in
(32:43):
your team. We are on that wave right now. I'm
Adrian got to say, I'm Ankis. This has been behind
the floor
San Diego were advancing to the Western Come from finel.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
This is Behind the Flow, the podcast that takes you
inside San Diego FC's remarkable first season in Major League
Soccer on Monday night, Monday night. Are you ready for
some football? Yes, Monday night football. And it was one
of those nights we will never ever forget in their
(00:38):
inaugural years. San Diego f C are headed and listen
to me closely, come close to the bike in the air.
San Diego C are headed to the Western Conference Final. Yes,
a tense, courageous, hard fought, won nothing win over Minnesota United,
A decisive strike by that sniper, Andre's Dryer, one shot,
one kale, and a deep the performance full of just
(01:01):
tantantan gravitas and the belief defined by that goal line
clearance courtesy of Ian Doll shall not pass Pilcher. Yes,
and they did it in front of thirty two thousand,
five hundred and two fans, another sellout in a city
that has embraced this team in a way few expansion
(01:21):
sides have ever done and experienced. All Right, later, we're
gonna be joined by someone who understands this football city
as deeply as anyone. San Diego z own ian joy.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Seeing the name San Diego associated with Major League Soccer.
That's where I was born and I'll always be proud
of soccer in San Diego.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
And we'll look ahead to Saturday night, the Western Final,
a blueout San Diego e FC snap Dragon Stadium receiving
the Vancouver White Cap. Tickets are gone, guys, within twenty
four hours, poop like Pancaliente sold and everything now is
on the line as San Diego EBS faced this incredible
(02:00):
Vancouver White Cap side for a place in the MLS Cup.
All of that and so much more on this very
special episode. I gotta do it like on TV. All
of that and more on this very special episode up
Behind the Flow. I'm Adrian, you gotta see them out
(02:27):
of case. Welcome to Behind the Flow. And there's one
word that describes it all. Wow. Darren Smith, Vantia castor Rena.
We're on to the Western Conference Final in year one
and within twenty four hours, I'm gonna call it twenty
one hours, sold out, completely and absolute joyed. What was
it like for the two of you guys inside the stadium?
Speaker 4 (02:49):
Yeah, I mean it brought back a lot of memories
about all the big sporting events in Mission Valley, especially
some of those Monday night games. The traffic was different
than it was when we go in on Saturdays or
the rare Sunday games, and I'd have a lot of flashbacks.
Speaker 5 (03:01):
It's been ten years.
Speaker 4 (03:02):
Since we had a Monday night football game in San Diego.
So it was an amazing experience. From the time you
were getting off the fifteen freeway on Friars Road and
making the way into the parking lot, it was phenomenal.
Speaker 6 (03:15):
Even the parking lot, it got filled up pretty quickly.
The spot that I usually take, all those were gone.
I'm like, oh wow, you can feel it in the air.
It's a different game, It's a different moment. Everyone was
just like so locked in and then yes, you know me.
I'm there in the press box before the game in
Luidi Wedi and Chief Mans. I get to talk to
(03:37):
colleagues and friends from Tijuana and they're from San Diego
that I haven't seen in a while. Even outside the stadium,
I was running into friends from high school that I had.
I was like, oh my gosh, so yes. It was
definitely special an experience in every way.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
And it was absolutely that It's the vibe of the
city of San Diego. But leading up to it, and
Darren Gante, I know you guys, we were just kind
of receiving phone calls all week long, just like I was,
from friends, from family, just people that wanted to be
part of the energy, even from a distance, because they
see something special, a team that keeps proving everybody wrong,
(04:15):
the expectation. Charles boem Fest up right here on this show,
I'm behind the flow last week, like, all right, I
got it wrong. I didn't expect them to get this far.
I mean, none of us actually did, but the city
of San Diego, it just feels like FRONTEI ISD and
everybody that's been kind of showing up to be part
of the Murph Dragon experience. It's almost like they expected
this from San Diego. They're like, oh no, this is
(04:36):
what we expected, this is what we built, and it's
just a beautiful thing to see it all come together
and the vibe, the energy from kickoff, it was out
of this world. I enjoyed every second Darren and I
were together on Monday night football calling the action on
Jamming ninety five point seven. This week, we're on San
Diego Sport seven sixteen. But take a listen. This was
the vibe on Monday night and moving. We are on
(05:01):
the air and cruising. Let's do Nighty first dangerous opportunity
for Minnesota night. It cuts him back to his left
and it's same, last possible second kick it down there.
Enormis huge, bigtime.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
The ball was about to sneak in but it wasn't
allowed to enter.
Speaker 7 (05:19):
That is a goal saving slide from Ian Pilcher out
of nowhere. That ball was going in the back of
the net. Pilcher slid in there kept it from going
in goal. Not only a goal saving slide from Ian Pilcher,
potentially a game saving season sending slide from Pilcher.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Yep, it lips it trying to get it into the
area for Corey Bart who heals it back on. There's
the Yad goal and it said Palladello, deliver it again.
Dada faro bum far up bump bumb Paladeto Ryan in
(05:58):
San Diego. He correct it. Go Asso Andersdal always on fire,
your MVP, your MBI Pilatto shows up when you need
the most anders dryer, right place, right time.
Speaker 7 (06:13):
Just turn this place electric in snap Dragon.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Stadium now it's marcus Ingberts and bowl in the air
still with Minnesota United still trying to be dangerous. Christopher
McVeigh out jumps them all, Bablo Sia and is just
gonna dial up one eight.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
Hundred win San diegofs here all advancing to the Western
Conference Final.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Just feeling that again, reliving it, you get goosebumps, guys,
I mean, can must play the most I see.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
I think the match kind of went according to what
we all predicted in terms of possession and passing and
patience and discipline. And they play a style and we
play a style, and our style is very much defined
and it even gets elevated a little bit more under
a match condition like this with the possession. So I
didn't think there was anything all that surprising, which just
opened it up to the small moments in the game,
(07:15):
which feel like small moments but turn into big moments, right, Katya,
Like the margins were so small that it was just
always going to be about something happening one moment two
moments here that would put one team into the Western
Conference Final and the other team heading home.
Speaker 6 (07:31):
We expected that, and we know that's going to happen
when all of this is at stake, and in this moment,
nobody wants to go home. So yes, all those details,
so those moments are so important, and those make the difference.
The way they defended, the way they kept running and
fighting for every single ball, that's what made the difference here.
And then you tie it back to what we've heard
(07:52):
all season long, when the whole idea around this club,
around this team, and Mikey's philosophy right to Dream Academy
and all is just run more than the opponents, train
harder because the way you train is the way you're
going to play. And those moments we're seeing it. Ian
Pilter kept running and had that clearance literally to save
(08:14):
that goal on the goal line, even Corey Bird, you know,
fighting for that ball that back he'll pass, and then
of course Dryer being there to fussy latter I just
don't know what other word to say, fussy Lattakaoka because
he had been pretty good too. So all those big
moments were there for San Diego, but because they've worked
(08:34):
for those moments.
Speaker 5 (08:36):
Even little things.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
Marcus Inbertzen comes in late in this game and gives
you thirteen minutes I think it was, and gets credited
for six clearances, you know, and there's a couple of
times where the ball is just dangerously there in the
eighteen yard box and Marcus kind of comes out of nowhere.
We expect him to be a goal scorer and he
boots it out of play.
Speaker 6 (08:54):
Out of everything that we've talked about, I think this
is very, very impressive because we are talking about about
the youngest back line, These players that came together last minute,
some out of position like Manudua, and honestly, during that
dip that San Diego had in the season, it was
thanks to Manudua in that moment that they kind of
(09:17):
like roast again defensively. And what we're seeing out of
this three rookies and Bombino, Pilcher and Dua during the
playoffs with the stakes at its highest, it's been honestly
incredible to watch and witness. We talked about this during
the Mikey Badist episode and he said that the difference
it's the confidence, the confidence that they get from the
(09:39):
coaching staff and from their teammates that even though they
might make mistakes, they know they have their back and
everybody has their back, and that confidence, it's what it's
allowing them to play the way they have.
Speaker 5 (09:52):
Can I just say real quick.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
I don't know if I did or didn't get this
end of the broadcast, but Monday night was one year
to the day from Monudua's final college game.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Yeah, you did. That was awesome. That was awesome when
you dropped it in there.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
UCSB got eliminated in the NCAA Tournament by Stanford A
one year ago on Monday night, and here he is
chasing down Kelvin Yabola and making big play after big
play to help SDFC advance to the Western Conference Final.
I mean, that's an amazing thing. Only six players under
contract a year ago and this guy was just finishing
his college career before becoming a household name in San
(10:27):
Diego football club history.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Well that's our take on the night. Now let's bring
in our guest born in San Dieg when the finest
city win of the finals. People also raised in the game.
A Bundesliga veteran, an MLS commentator on Ermano and friend
of the show, Ian joy In. Such a pleasure to
have you on with us at money.
Speaker 5 (10:50):
Thank you so much for having me on.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
It's always great to see your face and hear that
wonderful voice.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Thank you now as you heard man, what a night?
What a night? I mean you heard Darren when Gantia's
take on the big moments? What stood out to you
the most about the performance itself and the way San
Diego handled the pressure, the moment, the city, everything all combined.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
Yeah, Honestly, from that type of a performance, I think
it's really important to reflect major league soccer playoffs are
not easy.
Speaker 5 (11:16):
They're very difficult.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Sometimes you expect the unexpected, sometimes you get an opponent
that can actually spring a surprise and have a top
class performance, and sometimes you need to ride your luck
every now and again, and that's what happened in this
matchup as well. But also I think you allow your
quality to shine through waiting for that one clean cut
opportunity in front of goal to be able to seize
upon the moment.
Speaker 5 (11:36):
And that's what major league soccer is all about.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
That's what soccer is all about in history, right, we
go through so many different competitions worldwide. It's about moments
and games and taking your opportunity, and I think San
Diego did exactly that in the game. You don't have
to play well for ninety minutes You don't have to
play well for one hundred and twenty minutes over over
multiple games in the playoffs. You just need to find
moments in those games to make sure that you see
(11:59):
yourself through to the next game and the next tie,
and then one step further getting closer and closer to
getting your hand on silverware.
Speaker 6 (12:06):
You talk about San Diego's mindset, what Hall's surprised you
about this team.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
Katia, You know, it's not easy.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
When you put a team together in a very short
period of time and you expect a chemistry to just
be on point, it rarely ever happens. And in Major
League soccer, if you go through the history books, you
saw I think probably Saint Lewis most recently had good
success in their debut season prior to that.
Speaker 5 (12:27):
There's not many there really isn't.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
It's very difficult, especially away records of Major League Soccer,
so rare to see an away record like San Diego
had this season. I've been lucky enough, obviously to watch
San Diego a couple of times in person this year,
and just the way they move the ball around, every
single player seems to be on the same page when
they celebrate the whole team comes together. It's very rare
and in particular Major League Soccer, to find that type
(12:51):
of chemistry so quickly inside a locker room.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
Now, I know you understand the San Diego vibes. Your
dad is a former San Diego soccer though. Brian Joyetmano
just kind of walk us through being a guy that
has San Diego in his heart and having a little
bit of San Diego soccer is under that uniform at Ruano.
It just kind of walk us through how special it's
been for the city.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
Well, similar to you, Agm, it's in the heart, right,
It's in the bloodline, and I think it's important to
always remember where you came from.
Speaker 5 (13:18):
And for me in particular, there was a hint of jealousy.
Speaker 3 (13:20):
I'm not gonna lie that San Diego was maybe fifteen
years too late for me to have returned to Major
League Soccer and played for San Diego. That would have
been pretty special. We've talked about it over hours and
hours together and yeah, for me, it was pride immediately
calling my family having a conversation, can you actually believe
it's finally happening to have this team in Major League
(13:42):
Soccer from San Diego? Seeing the badge for the first time,
seeing the name San Diego associated with Major League Soccer,
It's a dream come true. And even though I'm not
associated with the team, even though I've never even been
to a game in San Diego, just shit to me.
It's still one that you're just looking corner of your
eye with an element of pride, knowing that that's where
(14:03):
you came from, that's where I was born, and you know,
I'll always be proud of soccer in San Diego.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
All right, that's Ian's take on the match. After the break,
we're gonna have a lot more from him, and of
course we're looking ahead at Saturday's Western Conference Finals. Stay
with us, Stay dipped in Krom Andasu, welcome back. This
(14:38):
is behind the flow and the San Diego prepares for
their biggest match of their season and their young lives.
The Western Conference Finals sold out in under twenty four
hours tickets were on sale. Like Bancaliente Gan, we're joined
by one of the voices of Major League Soccer, also
a crack when it comes to CBS, Golasto Network. Everything
(14:58):
that he enjoy which is he brings joy to the table.
Bundle of Joey Edvano. You took an oncoming path for
an American player, American born, leaving home, carvering out a
career in Europa Saint Pauli la Bundesliga. And what did
those years teach you, Ramana, about football itself and about you?
Speaker 1 (15:16):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (15:16):
I mean it was a long journey as a professional.
After three years in San Diego, we've moved back to Europe.
And once I got to fifteen sixteen years old, picked
up by a professional team, went to Tranmere Rovers in
the Merseyside area, and by that point I was still
in high school. Before I got my professional I was
getting picked up by the US national team youth structure,
(15:37):
which was to me incredible. I remember actually coming over
to San Diego. We went to the Olympic training Center,
and oh, man, I must have been fifteen years old.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
I was still in high school.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
And even in those days, when I was playing with
college kids and kids from all across the United States
of America who were the best that the US had
at that age group, I could tell I had something
and I knew that there was something to really dive
into and really go for it. I was lucky enough
to spend some time at Manchester United as a youth schoolboy,
so I know it was good, but I didn't realize
(16:09):
how good I could potentially be. My career was slightly
derailed by a bad knee injury at sixteen. I'm told
I was never going to play professional ever in my
career again by the first doctor that saw me. Basically
had to go through the US Soccer Federation to get
approval for my need to continue to play soccer, and
(16:29):
from that point on to all three of you, it
was just a joy every single time I got to
go out there on the field to play football.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
So obviously I went through England.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
I spent some time in the lower leagues, which I
absolutely loved, gained a lot of experience, met some crazy people,
not just UAGM who are the craziest of my life,
but also got to a really nice level. When I
made a decision to gamble and go to Germany, I
ended up at AHSV Hamburg, who were in the Champions
League at the time, and then eventually went onto some Polish.
These moments are just so cherished within my heart. I
(17:01):
was so lucky to play the game and I made
it all the way up to the Under twenty three
team for the US national team. But there's no doubt
that my knee injury derailed my whole career. I saw
a career for myself in the entertainment industry post soccer,
so that's why I decided to go to Major League Soccer.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Great call.
Speaker 5 (17:19):
I got to call.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Games and got to work in television studios. While I
was still playing, I spent some time at Rail Salt Lake.
We had success there, and then ended up at Portland
Timbers and that was my last year before age twenty
nine and retired and then went into to media shortly
after that.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Ian.
Speaker 4 (17:37):
I want to talk to you a little bit about
your transition from playing to broadcasting, because I've worked with
former players during that transition, and I'm always struck by
how surprised some of them seemed to be, Like, Oh,
this is real work. I can't just show up as
a former player and just give you some thoughts. You've
never struck me as somebody who approaches the job that way.
(17:58):
I can tell the level of prep, I can tell
how much this has been successful for you.
Speaker 5 (18:03):
Can you talk to us a little bit about that.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
What surprised you about being in the booths seeing the
game from a different angle and what's turned you not
only from successful playing career but also successful broadcasting career.
Speaker 3 (18:16):
It started very early for me, actually, so I started
working and taking every single media opportunity I possibly could,
even at sixteen, seventeen, eighteen years old. So by the
time I hit twenty nine, I had called maybe twenty games.
I had been in forty different studios in English and
in German and put myself completely out of my comfort
(18:36):
zone to get used to the fact that is this
the world I want to step into. Is it something
I can feel like I would be good at and
maybe I could help? And I got really, really lucky
when I retired because soccer media in the United States
of America around about two thousand and twelve thirteen was
just starting to boom. It's just starting to go through
(18:59):
the room if the US national team were having success, obviously,
and then all of a sudden, the TV rights became
valuable for soccer. I got to go to the twenty
fourteen World Cup in Brazil. My studio was on the
Copa Cabana. I only retired like three years before this,
so my mind was just blown about the opportunity. But
as AJM will tell you, some people are born for
(19:21):
this industry, and I feel like I'm born for this industry.
Speaker 6 (19:25):
Ian when you're calling a big game a night where
you feel history in front of you unfolding, what does
that do for you as the commentator? How does your
mindset change how you're calling the game? Does it change
at all?
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Not really?
Speaker 6 (19:38):
Or just what are the emotions like in that moment.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
It actually takes me back to preparing for a game
as a player, It really does. Again, the preparation is
so important for the confidence that you go into a
booth with, or if you're going into a studio and
preparation of a game as simply as I would go
into a locker room trying to get my team ready
and up.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
For the game.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Confidence is so important in the industry. For me, it's
energy for me, It's about passion. For me, it's about
showcasing exactly how important moments are in our beautiful game,
making sure that those moments are never forgotten, that the
moment was celebrated in the way, honored in the way
it should be.
Speaker 5 (20:15):
That's important for me.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
So when I get into a booth, I am one
hundred percent prepared probably three days of preparation, maybe too
much information, and in the end I probably use about
twenty percent of the information that I actually write down.
Speaker 4 (20:29):
I love what you said about the information that really resonates,
as AGM can tell you when he looks over and
sees a million little notes.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
And when you're ready, when you're prepared, you just let
it flow and just let it fly. I got like
a wrap around the street. You got to go just boom,
just go, let it fly, let the lyrics go. Now
that comes into the preparation, and that leads us to
the quick fire session right here with the enjoy and
it's going to start off with a very close to
the subject question edim. I know because this is a
debate we all have as broadcasters. I don't know when
(20:56):
Katya does her prep or Darren does his prep, because
I know they do a lot of prep, just like
you do a lot of prep. Are you naught? She?
Are you I'm beat? Are you a night prep guy?
Or is that you in the morning with the sunshine
and the birds chirping as soon as the sun rises
you're starting doing at your prep.
Speaker 5 (21:15):
You know my pain.
Speaker 3 (21:16):
I got three kids, so I try to squeeze it
in anytime I possibly can. Trying to find that quiet
time is not always easy, So it's any time I get.
Speaker 6 (21:23):
And favorite MLS stadium to call imagine. Of course, aside
from San Diego Portland Timbers.
Speaker 3 (21:30):
My last season was a professional there. I've actually never
called a match there, so I can't say calling a
match there would be favorite. But it's my favorite atmosphere
and it's my favorite energy. It's everything about Portland has
been super exciting for me, so I can only dream
that one day I'll get the chance to call a
game there.
Speaker 4 (21:51):
Most exciting player that you get the broadcast.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
For, well, I got to tell you keeping it to
San Diego Dryer. I caught his performance in Chicago and
that was my first time seeing him in person.
Speaker 5 (22:02):
That was pretty special.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
A realistic signing for next season and moving forward for
San Diego FC that you would love to see play
football in the finest city.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
Oh wow, that's a great question because you got to
pick and choose places in the team that actually needs improvement.
You know, there's one player that I've had my eye
on who probably going to end up somewhere else because
of his ties to that city. But one player I
think would be excellent and major League soccer, and that
is Josh Sargent.
Speaker 6 (22:34):
And when we are talking about that Santa Claus wish list,
a dream signing anyone in world football, no limit, who.
Speaker 3 (22:41):
Would that be, I would probably say, Oh Man, probably
Arling Holland. I think just his presence and just his stature,
just his goal scoring. I think he's one of the
most unbelievable footballers. I actually saw him when he was
(23:02):
a teenager, scoring eleven goals in one game for Norway's
youth side. That was the first time I saw. I
was like, who is this guy?
Speaker 5 (23:10):
And finally we'll let.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
You get out on one word here, Snapdragon or Saint Pauli,
which atmosphere surprised you more?
Speaker 3 (23:17):
Oh, it surprised me more, not one word. I can't
give you one word because that's not how I do it.
I've never actually been to snap Dragon, so I can't
say that. So I'm going to stick with the honest
answer and say, FC Sympauli is very hard to beat
that one, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
All right, stay with us after this break, we're gonna
look ahead at the Western Conference Final. Yes, you heard
it right, the Western Conference Final. San Diego FC, hom up,
(23:55):
welcome back. We're into the final part of the flow,
a sold down Snapdragon, a blueout, and it's going to
continue on Saturday. Versus Vancouver met him twice this season,
a wild five to three win at BC Place and
then a one to one draw here at Snapdragon Stadium,
rescued late by an Ian Pilcher equalizer. Man Ian's been
(24:19):
big time first rounder. Him and Manudua talk about nailing
the first round and in the super draft. Now Vancouver
arrive after knocking out the formidable laf C side on penalties,
and they look a very different side to the one
we faced earlier in the year because there's this one guy, Uh,
what's his name again, Thomas Muller, Yes, it's Muller.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Time.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
Ian, let's bring you back in here. You know Vancouver
very well. Where do you feel they are right now
as a team based on what you've seen across this season.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
Yeah, one of the most talented teams in Major League soccer.
They play a very very pleasing on the eye style
of soccer, very very quick style, very dangerous ones. They
get into the final third creativity wise, there's a vision
that few teams of Major League Soccer have had this year.
They obviously have some experience now with Muller coming into
the side, but I think they also have a Major
(25:11):
League Soccer experience as well, and I think there's a
number of top players that you have to be very
careful and mindful of. But they actually checked the box
all over the field. Every single position essentially is covered.
Not only with one quality player, they have players in
abundance who are sitting on a bench who can't even
get into their team. So this is going to be
a real challenge. One of the best footballing sides I
(25:32):
have been able to cover this season in Major League
Soccer has been Vancouver and they actually caught me by surprise.
Speaker 5 (25:38):
I have to agree.
Speaker 6 (25:39):
I was in Vancouver early this year and I was
surprised about what I've seen and how they've developed over
the course of the season. When we look at this
Vancouver side, what would you say in is their biggest weapon?
Speaker 5 (25:52):
Offensively? Is their biggest weapon?
Speaker 3 (25:54):
For me, They've got paced down the channels, like getting
wide and putting crosses into the box, and obviously when
you've got a goal scorer always helps, and I think
obviously White has been deadly this season. But they threw
Muller in there, you know, when nobody expected him to
go to Vancouver, and I think he made them a
better sight. And actually, at that period of time, if
you remember Vancouver, we're kind of having a little bit
of a dip period and then Muller turns up and
(26:16):
all of a sudden.
Speaker 5 (26:16):
They pick back up again and they're off to the races.
Speaker 3 (26:20):
So you've got to always be careful the pace and
behind in the final third, they're they're incredibly electric.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
In lastly, we spent weeks talking about the contrasting tactical
approaches between Minnesota United and San Diego Football Club. How
do you see this one being played? Where is it one?
Where is it lost?
Speaker 2 (26:38):
Well?
Speaker 3 (26:38):
I think San Diego got to play their football and
not care about who the opponent actually is. And sometimes
you're guilty of it with Minnesota in particular, sitting back
so deep and actually inviting the pressure. It's about patient
and trying to be patient. So San Diego have to
play their game and obviously creating chances of what they
do best, and they have players who can unlock defenses
in Major League Soccer and around the world. But also
(27:01):
they got talent to find a goal, not it's important.
You got to take your chances in these games. So
actually I'm gonna flip it. I'm going to say it's
not about moments going forward which will eventually decide these trophies.
I think it's about defensively, who has the solid defense,
which goalkeeper performs better. I think that's going to be
the difference in both of these games going forward as
you get closer and closer to THEMLS come.
Speaker 2 (27:22):
But as always, Savo, what you do at MANA when
it comes to breaking it down giving us the info,
you do it across planet Earth, wherever you are, wherever
there's a microphone and there's the enjoy. There's fairly see that. Mno,
thank you again for doing this and joining us here
on behind the floor.
Speaker 5 (27:36):
No pleasure, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (27:37):
And now now, Darren Kantia, what do San Diego FC
need to do to win the Western Conference Final?
Speaker 6 (27:46):
Kantia, They have to stay true to who they are.
They made it thus far being who they are now
they are at home in front of a sellout crowd again.
They just have to keep pressure and keep the possession
and be tied to fense. To leave Vancouver is going
to be a whole different team that what they sign.
Minnesota is going to be very difficult.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
They have very.
Speaker 6 (28:07):
Talented players and it's going to be a real challenge
for the young back line that we've been talking about,
and they just have to stay focused and keep pressuring
keeping the ball and that's going to be their best defense.
Speaker 4 (28:18):
I think just appreciating the moment. Honestly, this opportunity is
so special for these guys, and they've really risen to
the occasion. They know they can beat Vancouver because they've
done it. They got five goals past this amazing goalkeeper
earlier this year. They know that he can be beaten.
I think Vancouver a little bit different away from home,
so I think they're going to come out flying on
(28:40):
Saturday night. They've come this far, so I do think
that this is just an opportunity that they're going to
relish and they're going to take advantage of.
Speaker 2 (28:48):
I'm going to look at it from this angle. There's
one guy that's been hibernating in it. I'm not going
to say scares me, but it worries me a little bit.
The White Wolf, Brian White hasn't scored. Guy dropped in
fourteen goals during the regular season, but he hasn't scored
during the playoffs, so Manudua is definitely going to have
some work to do this. Center backs, obviously Christopher McVay,
that whole back line, boys crew, they're gonna have to
dance with that devil. And I think that that right
(29:09):
there is key. I think also that back line, there's
a couple of injuries. Uh you know, they've always had
a stalwart like a Beasaidi Noovic, They've had Utek back there.
There's gonna be some changes and some adjustments in front
of doc Oka that could be exploited. But there is
one guy that I want to mention who's brilliant and
he doesn't get enough love and he should get a
lot more love. Andres kuwas that's their yet pitevskof and
(29:31):
that's the guy that glues it all together. He finds
passage upfield and when he connects with Mueller getting the
ball up field and then coming up the flanks, you
know you have an ali a med flying down there.
It can be a very complicated team to cover up
on and and I think we're going to be just fine.
I think they're going to be up to the task.
But at the end of the night, styles make fights,
and this is going to be a heavyweight battle two
(29:53):
teams that are going to be relentless all night long.
So now break out your crystal balls, guys. I need
the prediction, now, the actual score.
Speaker 4 (30:01):
I think Vancouver very stingy, stingiest team away from home
all season long in MLS. I'm going to go to
one SDFC late winner Choky Lozano Jansch again and he
will score for SDFC, a prolific winner in his career
to send SDFC to the MLS Cup Final.
Speaker 6 (30:19):
And they're not going to have their Emil's Defender of
the Year and one of the best players that they've
had in Tristan Blackman after getting that red card. I
believe this is going to be real close. It's going
to be a nail bier and I think we might
even see another PK shootout. It's going to be crazy,
but I feel like it's going to go down to
(30:41):
the wire. That's my prediction. And then PKS, anything can happen.
Speaker 2 (30:46):
No, no, PKS No. I believe in our guys. I
believe in he'll be up to the test. But I
don't know. I'd rather just win it ninety minutes, get
it taken care of, and I'm gonna throw this in
there right now. It's going to be three two San
Diego FC sing, let's go.
Speaker 5 (31:04):
Okay, that's a hot take.
Speaker 2 (31:07):
Three Towo's that's my prediction and I'm sticking.
Speaker 4 (31:10):
I'll take it.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
I agree with you.
Speaker 4 (31:12):
No penalties. They're riding two matches in a row, winning
in PK shootout, so I'm fine to leave that one
somewhere north of the border.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Yes, yes, because there's always something that surges it the
worst possible time during PKS. We want to win it
inside of ninety minutes, maybe ninety plus, but let's get
it done and move on to the MLS Cup with
the possibility again of hosting an MLS Cup in year
one en route to become the greatest expansion side ever.
And that brings us to the end of this Western
Conference Final preview on Behind the Flow. Our thanks to
(31:40):
Ian Joy Bundalo Joy is always and as always to God,
her majesty Gastine and literally the nickname is starting to
kick in now and Darren Smith always invited to that
got in as out of guys you're invited to give
us your final thoughts on how we're going to feel
the flow on Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (31:55):
I love some of the images after the match of
every single player, whether they were from Mark, from Sweden,
from Finland, everybody looks at each other now and they just.
Speaker 5 (32:04):
Go vomos, vomos.
Speaker 4 (32:07):
So I will I will also just say Saturday night, vomos,
let's go.
Speaker 6 (32:13):
I love how we're all in sync, because I was
just going to say, bamos.
Speaker 2 (32:20):
It's it's an absolute thing for us on this Thanksgiving weekend.
And I'm also thankful for one detail. Yep at there's
I mean, I'm thankful for and there there are a
lot of players, but yep at there's golf. Thank you
for arriving at America's finest city. And he had this, uh,
just this great quote when on Monday he said, sometimes
as a player, you feel you have something special in
(32:43):
your team. We are on that wave right now. I'm
Adrian got to say, I'm Ankis. This has been behind
the floor
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