Coach Unfiltered: E19

Welcome back everybody. Welcome back everybody. Episode 19 of Coach Unfiltered Episode 19 of Coach Unfiltered Episode 19 of Coach Unfiltered Craziness, right? Yes. Yes. I know Craziness, right? Yes. Yes. I know Craziness, right? Yes. Yes. I know you're missing something because of me. you're missing something because of me. you're missing something because of me. That's okay. This is better. So, let's That's okay. This is better. So, let's That's okay. This is better. So, let's get on with it. Today we're going to be get on with it. Today we're going to be get on with it. Today we're going to be talking a little bit about the sheer talking a little bit about the sheer talking a little bit about the sheer amount of volume of games in the youth amount of volume of games in the youth amount of volume of games in the youth soccer world here in Houston. Um I've soccer world here in Houston. Um I've soccer world here in Houston. Um I've got tons of leagues that have started up got tons of leagues that have started up got tons of leagues that have started up play after after Labor Day. So we have play after after Labor Day. So we have play after after Labor Day. So we have Texas Academy League, MLS Next Academy, Texas Academy League, MLS Next Academy, Texas Academy League, MLS Next Academy, Girls Academy, TYSL, Htown League, Girls Academy, TYSL, Htown League, Girls Academy, TYSL, Htown League, Stissa, all of these leagues are now Stissa, all of these leagues are now Stissa, all of these leagues are now playing. I personally, as a referee playing. I personally, as a referee playing. I personally, as a referee assigner, have seen over 300 games since assigner, have seen over 300 games since assigner, have seen over 300 games since Labor Day. 300 games. So over the course Labor Day. 300 games. So over the course Labor Day. 300 games. So over the course of a couple of weekends, I've got to of a couple of weekends, I've got to of a couple of weekends, I've got to assign so many referees, three referees, assign so many referees, three referees, assign so many referees, three referees, three games at a time, right? And you're three games at a time, right? And you're three games at a time, right? And you're trying to give as many people to work as trying to give as many people to work as trying to give as many people to work as you can. Starting to come into a new you can. Starting to come into a new you can. Starting to come into a new problem. We do have some referees, but problem. We do have some referees, but problem. We do have some referees, but we're losing some. Uh, a lot of the we're losing some. Uh, a lot of the we're losing some. Uh, a lot of the referees that we have that we created, referees that we have that we created, referees that we have that we created, let's say, three years ago are now let's say, three years ago are now let's say, three years ago are now moving up in the ranks, right? They're moving up in the ranks, right? They're moving up in the ranks, right? They're getting bigger. They're getting smarter.

getting bigger. They're getting smarter. getting bigger. They're getting smarter. They're they're picking up on the game. They're they're picking up on the game. They're they're picking up on the game. So, their experience now allows them to So, their experience now allows them to So, their experience now allows them to go to higher levels. So, [snorts] ECNL, go to higher levels. So, [snorts] ECNL, go to higher levels. So, [snorts] ECNL, right? MLS Next, MLS Academy, all these right? MLS Next, MLS Academy, all these right? MLS Next, MLS Academy, all these leagues are starting on top of the games leagues are starting on top of the games leagues are starting on top of the games that you see around here. So, I am now that you see around here. So, I am now that you see around here. So, I am now running short of the more experienced running short of the more experienced running short of the more experienced referees and I've got to go and referees and I've got to go and referees and I've got to go and regrow some more referees. Right. And regrow some more referees. Right. And regrow some more referees. Right. And this is interesting. this is interesting. this is interesting. The upper level assigners for the for The upper level assigners for the for The upper level assigners for the for the higher up games are just able to the higher up games are just able to the higher up games are just able to grab the referees with more experience. grab the referees with more experience. grab the referees with more experience. They don't have to make any new ones. They don't have to make any new ones. They don't have to make any new ones. They have enough problems just trying to They have enough problems just trying to They have enough problems just trying to populate. That's where someone like me populate. That's where someone like me populate. That's where someone like me comes in. More of a grassroots mentor. comes in. More of a grassroots mentor. comes in. More of a grassroots mentor. My job is to recruit new referees, bring My job is to recruit new referees, bring My job is to recruit new referees, bring them in, train them, and then get them them in, train them, and then get them them in, train them, and then get them up to speed to populate all the lower up to speed to populate all the lower up to speed to populate all the lower level games that I'm working on, but I level games that I'm working on, but I level games that I'm working on, but I will eventually lose these guys to the will eventually lose these guys to the will eventually lose these guys to the upper level ranks of some of these upper level ranks of some of these upper level ranks of some of these leagues. And it's really interesting.

leagues. And it's really interesting. leagues. And it's really interesting. Um, some of my new guys that come in, Um, some of my new guys that come in, Um, some of my new guys that come in, you know, let's just say 15 year old you know, let's just say 15 year old you know, let's just say 15 year old boys, girls, they come in and they're boys, girls, they come in and they're boys, girls, they come in and they're saying, "Okay, I'm going to work these saying, "Okay, I'm going to work these saying, "Okay, I'm going to work these local leagues. No problem." they get a local leagues. No problem." they get a local leagues. No problem." they get a taste of instead of a $25 assistant taste of instead of a $25 assistant taste of instead of a $25 assistant referee fee, it's a $60 fee. And all of referee fee, it's a $60 fee. And all of referee fee, it's a $60 fee. And all of a sudden, these kids are going, "Whoa, a sudden, these kids are going, "Whoa, a sudden, these kids are going, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. I want those games." whoa, whoa, whoa. I want those games." whoa, whoa, whoa. I want those games." And I try to use as many as I can to And I try to use as many as I can to And I try to use as many as I can to move them up, but if you're not ready, move them up, but if you're not ready, move them up, but if you're not ready, you're not ready. Uh so I was speaking you're not ready. Uh so I was speaking you're not ready. Uh so I was speaking to my u let's call it advisory board and to my u let's call it advisory board and to my u let's call it advisory board and we were talking about creating we were talking about creating we were talking about creating some kind of a referee ranking system a some kind of a referee ranking system a some kind of a referee ranking system a rating system for some of these guys and rating system for some of these guys and rating system for some of these guys and a training program. Now, Stissa and a training program. Now, Stissa and a training program. Now, Stissa and South Texas Referee Association do offer South Texas Referee Association do offer South Texas Referee Association do offer mentors to come out to your fields on mentors to come out to your fields on mentors to come out to your fields on request. Um, but we don't have a lot of request. Um, but we don't have a lot of request. Um, but we don't have a lot of them and they only really go to when them and they only really go to when them and they only really go to when there's a lot of games so that it makes there's a lot of games so that it makes there's a lot of games so that it makes the most sense. They're paying these the most sense. They're paying these the most sense. They're paying these guys to be out there. But I feel more guys to be out there. But I feel more guys to be out there. But I feel more like an ongoing program that starts like an ongoing program that starts like an ongoing program that starts preeason and after season where we can preeason and after season where we can preeason and after season where we can test the referees, find out where test the referees, find out where test the referees, find out where they're at, gauge their experience they're at, gauge their experience they're at, gauge their experience level, and then rack them and rate them.

level, and then rack them and rate them. level, and then rack them and rate them. Uh I've got referees that come to me and Uh I've got referees that come to me and Uh I've got referees that come to me and say, "Oh, I've got 20 years experience." say, "Oh, I've got 20 years experience." say, "Oh, I've got 20 years experience." But you can't run anymore with those 19 But you can't run anymore with those 19 But you can't run anymore with those 19 boys, right? Or girls. Let's let's face boys, right? Or girls. Let's let's face boys, right? Or girls. Let's let's face it, some of these ladies are fast. If it, some of these ladies are fast. If it, some of these ladies are fast. If these guys can't make those games, I these guys can't make those games, I these guys can't make those games, I don't look like a good assigner because don't look like a good assigner because don't look like a good assigner because I'm not giving you the best referees for I'm not giving you the best referees for I'm not giving you the best referees for your games. So, I can't use these guys your games. So, I can't use these guys your games. So, I can't use these guys for a lot of these. I have to move them for a lot of these. I have to move them for a lot of these. I have to move them to the lower level games and move some to the lower level games and move some to the lower level games and move some of the young bucks up. And that's the of the young bucks up. And that's the of the young bucks up. And that's the toughest thing. Um, trying to find the toughest thing. Um, trying to find the toughest thing. Um, trying to find the experience, that high level experience, experience, that high level experience, experience, that high level experience, and the ability, the physical ability to and the ability, the physical ability to and the ability, the physical ability to carry on with these games. So, it's a carry on with these games. So, it's a carry on with these games. So, it's a lot of fun, guys. Now, in order to lot of fun, guys. Now, in order to lot of fun, guys. Now, in order to create all these referees, as I said create all these referees, as I said create all these referees, as I said before, I'm working my way from assigner before, I'm working my way from assigner before, I'm working my way from assigner into mentor referee coach. I do have a into mentor referee coach. I do have a into mentor referee coach. I do have a clinic and I'm going to promote it clinic and I'm going to promote it clinic and I'm going to promote it shamelessly right here. September 27th, shamelessly right here. September 27th, shamelessly right here. September 27th, that's next Sunday, 6 pm at George Park, that's next Sunday, 6 pm at George Park, that's next Sunday, 6 pm at George Park, which is the home of Lamar Soccer Club, which is the home of Lamar Soccer Club, which is the home of Lamar Soccer Club, which we're all familiar with. Now, uh which we're all familiar with. Now, uh which we're all familiar with. Now, uh we're going to have a referee in-person we're going to have a referee in-person we're going to have a referee in-person clinic. To get to these, you create a clinic. To get to these, you create a clinic. To get to these, you create a profile in the US Soccer website. You go profile in the US Soccer website. You go profile in the US Soccer website. You go to US Soccer Learning under referee, to US Soccer Learning under referee, to US Soccer Learning under referee, find the referee clinics, look for the find the referee clinics, look for the find the referee clinics, look for the one that's going to happen on September one that's going to happen on September one that's going to happen on September 27th in Richmond. Okay, that's George 27th in Richmond. Okay, that's George 27th in Richmond. Okay, that's George Park 6 PM. You will see it. You log into Park 6 PM. You will see it. You log into Park 6 PM. You will see it. You log into that one, register. You want to try and that one, register. You want to try and that one, register. You want to try and have all of your online requisites done have all of your online requisites done have all of your online requisites done before, but not necessary. You can

before, but not necessary. You can before, but not necessary. You can attend the clinic in person and then attend the clinic in person and then attend the clinic in person and then finish everything else. Now, the faster finish everything else. Now, the faster finish everything else. Now, the faster you get it done, the quicker I can put you get it done, the quicker I can put you get it done, the quicker I can put you on the field. And believe me, I have you on the field. And believe me, I have you on the field. And believe me, I have space. I need you guys. So, if you're space. I need you guys. So, if you're space. I need you guys. So, if you're looking to referee, make the big money looking to referee, make the big money looking to referee, make the big money because trust me, we all roll around in because trust me, we all roll around in because trust me, we all roll around in Maseratis and Ferraris. That's how we Maseratis and Ferraris. That's how we Maseratis and Ferraris. That's how we roll. That's the referee lifestyle. If roll. That's the referee lifestyle. If roll. That's the referee lifestyle. If you want to join us in that lifestyle, you want to join us in that lifestyle, you want to join us in that lifestyle, come ref with us. Tons of fun. Great come ref with us. Tons of fun. Great come ref with us. Tons of fun. Great money. I don't know why he's laughing. money. I don't know why he's laughing. money. I don't know why he's laughing. It's good stuff. All right. Lots of fun. It's good stuff. All right. Lots of fun. It's good stuff. All right. Lots of fun. All right. So again, September 27th, 6 All right. So again, September 27th, 6 All right. So again, September 27th, 6 PM, George Park, Richmond, Texas, right? PM, George Park, Richmond, Texas, right? PM, George Park, Richmond, Texas, right? Go to the US Soccer website. Look for Go to the US Soccer website. Look for Go to the US Soccer website. Look for the referee available clinics. Look for the referee available clinics. Look for the referee available clinics. Look for the one in Richmond, Texas. That's mine. the one in Richmond, Texas. That's mine. the one in Richmond, Texas. That's mine. I'll be out there and I'll be helping I'll be out there and I'll be helping I'll be out there and I'll be helping you get your certification. As I move up you get your certification. As I move up you get your certification. As I move up through the mentor ranks, I'll be able through the mentor ranks, I'll be able through the mentor ranks, I'll be able to run my own clinics, right, and help to run my own clinics, right, and help to run my own clinics, right, and help referees come into the fold, so to referees come into the fold, so to referees come into the fold, so to speak. But we do need them. We there are speak. But we do need them. We there are speak. But we do need them. We there are so many games I think we have a 25% so many games I think we have a 25% so many games I think we have a 25% increase just the academy level games increase just the academy level games increase just the academy level games that are starting this weekend. So I've that are starting this weekend. So I've that are starting this weekend. So I've got assigners as we've seen seen emails got assigners as we've seen seen emails got assigners as we've seen seen emails come out going I just need any referees.

come out going I just need any referees. come out going I just need any referees. I'm willing to barter. Help me. We need I'm willing to barter. Help me. We need I'm willing to barter. Help me. We need to get you guys out there. The to get you guys out there. The to get you guys out there. The interesting thing is that these academy interesting thing is that these academy interesting thing is that these academy games need the top level guys. So some games need the top level guys. So some games need the top level guys. So some of my people have to move up and I've of my people have to move up and I've of my people have to move up and I've got to fill in those gaps. You ready for got to fill in those gaps. You ready for got to fill in those gaps. You ready for something like that? I think you are. I something like that? I think you are. I something like that? I think you are. I think you would enjoy this. You get the think you would enjoy this. You get the think you would enjoy this. You get the best position to watch a game. You watch best position to watch a game. You watch best position to watch a game. You watch some awesome soccer games. Nothing like some awesome soccer games. Nothing like some awesome soccer games. Nothing like U7 and U8's running around and coaches U7 and U8's running around and coaches U7 and U8's running around and coaches telling you what a great job you're telling you what a great job you're telling you what a great job you're doing to really really make you feel doing to really really make you feel doing to really really make you feel good about your decision to join us. So, good about your decision to join us. So, good about your decision to join us. So, US soccer referee guys. Okay. So, that's US soccer referee guys. Okay. So, that's US soccer referee guys. Okay. So, that's my whole spiel for this. Uh got a my whole spiel for this. Uh got a my whole spiel for this. Uh got a special guest coming in today and Mr. special guest coming in today and Mr. special guest coming in today and Mr. Porter Hernandez. So, right after these Porter Hernandez. So, right after these Porter Hernandez. So, right after these commercials, he's got a lot to say about commercials, he's got a lot to say about commercials, he's got a lot to say about some of this stuff. We'll be talking to some of this stuff. We'll be talking to some of this stuff. We'll be talking to him in just a minute. But first, him in just a minute. But first, him in just a minute. But first, commercial from our sponsor. Stay tuned. commercial from our sponsor. Stay tuned. commercial from our sponsor. Stay tuned. We'll be right back.

Hey, welcome back everybody. So, as Hey, welcome back everybody. So, as promised, I will now introduce this promised, I will now introduce this promised, I will now introduce this gentleman that has been standing here gentleman that has been standing here gentleman that has been standing here smirking at every comment that I make smirking at every comment that I make smirking at every comment that I make here. Veteran of many years, 14 plus here. Veteran of many years, 14 plus here. Veteran of many years, 14 plus years of youth soccer programming in the years of youth soccer programming in the years of youth soccer programming in the Houston area. Please welcome Mr. Porter Houston area. Please welcome Mr. Porter Houston area. Please welcome Mr. Porter Hernandez to the show, Coach Unfilter. Hernandez to the show, Coach Unfilter. Hernandez to the show, Coach Unfilter. Welcome to the show. Welcome to the show. Welcome to the show. >> Glad to be here. >> Glad to be here. >> Glad to be here. >> So, literally, you are a veteran of the >> So, literally, you are a veteran of the >> So, literally, you are a veteran of the youth soccer program in the Houston youth soccer program in the Houston youth soccer program in the Houston area. Um, a lot of people and and a lot area. Um, a lot of people and and a lot area. Um, a lot of people and and a lot of people that that watch this with the of people that that watch this with the of people that that watch this with the millions and millions of fans we have millions and millions of fans we have millions and millions of fans we have all across the country, uh, are always all across the country, uh, are always all across the country, uh, are always interested in what is their goal. I I interested in what is their goal. I I interested in what is their goal. I I from what we see now from what we see now from what we see now >> with these kids, you know, they're >> with these kids, you know, they're >> with these kids, you know, they're paying paying formies, they're paying paying paying formies, they're paying paying paying formies, they're paying for these big programs, travel soccer, for these big programs, travel soccer, for these big programs, travel soccer, you know, you're nine, 10 years old and you know, you're nine, 10 years old and you know, you're nine, 10 years old and you're doing this whole thing almost you're doing this whole thing almost you're doing this whole thing almost like a World Cup start, but that's not like a World Cup start, but that's not like a World Cup start, but that's not where it starts. where it starts. where it starts. >> Nope. Um, so let's go back first to our >> Nope. Um, so let's go back first to our >> Nope. Um, so let's go back first to our referee question. You are now out of the referee question. You are now out of the referee question. You are now out of the youth soccer system. You're no longer youth soccer system. You're no longer youth soccer system. You're no longer playing, but you are refereeing.

playing, but you are refereeing. playing, but you are refereeing. >> Still refereing. >> Still refereing. >> Still refereing. >> What is the difference? I mean, what has >> What is the difference? I mean, what has >> What is the difference? I mean, what has been your experience as a referee coming been your experience as a referee coming been your experience as a referee coming back into the youth soccer system after back into the youth soccer system after back into the youth soccer system after all these years? What is your all these years? What is your all these years? What is your experience? experience? experience? >> It's it's definitely changed. I mean, >> It's it's definitely changed. I mean, >> It's it's definitely changed. I mean, you know, going from player, I did ref you know, going from player, I did ref you know, going from player, I did ref while I used to play. Um, but just the while I used to play. Um, but just the while I used to play. Um, but just the attitude overall I would say of the attitude overall I would say of the attitude overall I would say of the players, of the coaches, you know, not players, of the coaches, you know, not players, of the coaches, you know, not even fully necessarily in a bad way, but even fully necessarily in a bad way, but even fully necessarily in a bad way, but truly I have found refing these kids truly I have found refing these kids truly I have found refing these kids now, refing with these coaches, now, refing with these coaches, now, refing with these coaches, especially with the younger kids, is especially with the younger kids, is especially with the younger kids, is there's almost a lack of understanding there's almost a lack of understanding there's almost a lack of understanding just on key parts of the game now that just on key parts of the game now that just on key parts of the game now that really gets used against you as a really gets used against you as a really gets used against you as a referee when they don't understand and referee when they don't understand and referee when they don't understand and you have to be professional and you're you have to be professional and you're you have to be professional and you're trying to explain these nuance things trying to explain these nuance things trying to explain these nuance things that you know maybe you thought they that you know maybe you thought they that you know maybe you thought they would know or you thought they already would know or you thought they already would know or you thought they already understood understood understood you know it's it's hard but I would say you know it's it's hard but I would say you know it's it's hard but I would say definitely going from being a player definitely going from being a player definitely going from being a player knowing what they're seeing you know for knowing what they're seeing you know for knowing what they're seeing you know for me as a referee knowing what I'm seeing me as a referee knowing what I'm seeing me as a referee knowing what I'm seeing from them as players I think it's from them as players I think it's from them as players I think it's definitely helped help me going through definitely helped help me going through definitely helped help me going through the system, playing, understanding how the system, playing, understanding how the system, playing, understanding how to deal with them, how to talk to them to deal with them, how to talk to them to deal with them, how to talk to them so that I don't lose control.

so that I don't lose control. so that I don't lose control. I can understand them. I I can bring I can understand them. I I can bring I can understand them. I I can bring them down, just be like, "Hey, I know them down, just be like, "Hey, I know them down, just be like, "Hey, I know what you're feeling, what you're seeing, what you're feeling, what you're seeing, what you're feeling, what you're seeing, how you're looking at it, but try to see how you're looking at it, but try to see how you're looking at it, but try to see what I'm seeing." I've been there. I've what I'm seeing." I've been there. I've what I'm seeing." I've been there. I've done that. done that. done that. >> Interesting. Uh, your first experience >> Interesting. Uh, your first experience >> Interesting. Uh, your first experience as a referee, I think you were what, 13 as a referee, I think you were what, 13 as a referee, I think you were what, 13 years old? years old? years old? >> 13 or 14. We went to Copa Royalos, which >> 13 or 14. We went to Copa Royalos, which >> 13 or 14. We went to Copa Royalos, which is the big international tournament that is the big international tournament that is the big international tournament that they hold out at the Woodlands every they hold out at the Woodlands every they hold out at the Woodlands every year. year. year. >> That was your first real experience. >> That was your first real experience. >> That was your first real experience. >> That was my first big tournament I ever >> That was my first big tournament I ever >> That was my first big tournament I ever did. I mean, I was I didn't think I was did. I mean, I was I didn't think I was did. I mean, I was I didn't think I was going to be able to do it. You know, I going to be able to do it. You know, I going to be able to do it. You know, I was really young, but they ended up was really young, but they ended up was really young, but they ended up pulling me in, letting me do some games. pulling me in, letting me do some games. pulling me in, letting me do some games. And I mean, honestly, it was a ton of And I mean, honestly, it was a ton of And I mean, honestly, it was a ton of fun. I enjoyed it. You get to see some fun. I enjoyed it. You get to see some fun. I enjoyed it. You get to see some really cool teams come and play. teams really cool teams come and play. teams really cool teams come and play. teams from Mexico come up to play against, you from Mexico come up to play against, you from Mexico come up to play against, you know, Dynamo Academy from Mexico, know, Dynamo Academy from Mexico, know, Dynamo Academy from Mexico, playing the Red Bullmies here. Those playing the Red Bullmies here. Those playing the Red Bullmies here. Those were great games to watch and ref. were great games to watch and ref. were great games to watch and ref. >> Yeah, they were. >> Yeah, they were. >> Yeah, they were. >> Um, you know, you get a lot of exposure >> Um, you know, you get a lot of exposure >> Um, you know, you get a lot of exposure with the other higherups, the signers with the other higherups, the signers with the other higherups, the signers for those people, the other referees for those people, the other referees for those people, the other referees that you're talking to. So, I mean, I that you're talking to. So, I mean, I that you're talking to. So, I mean, I had a lot of fun. I was about 14 years had a lot of fun. I was about 14 years had a lot of fun. I was about 14 years old when I did that. So, you know, old when I did that. So, you know, old when I did that. So, you know, really getting thrown to the wolves, but really getting thrown to the wolves, but really getting thrown to the wolves, but I feel that I at least held my own. You I feel that I at least held my own. You I feel that I at least held my own. You had a I I remember this clearly. You had had a I I remember this clearly. You had had a I I remember this clearly. You had a FIFA level awesome superstar referee a FIFA level awesome superstar referee a FIFA level awesome superstar referee who gave you some kind words of advice who gave you some kind words of advice who gave you some kind words of advice because you were not calling what he was because you were not calling what he was because you were not calling what he was calling

calling calling or he was not calling you were calling or he was not calling you were calling or he was not calling you were calling but what was what was the advice you but what was what was the advice you but what was what was the advice you received at 14? So he received at 14? So he received at 14? So he wanted me to more or less just go along wanted me to more or less just go along wanted me to more or less just go along with whatever he said. And at halftime with whatever he said. And at halftime with whatever he said. And at halftime there were a few calls. I mean he there were a few calls. I mean he there were a few calls. I mean he straight just waved me down. Told me straight just waved me down. Told me straight just waved me down. Told me like we're no don't don't call that. like we're no don't don't call that. like we're no don't don't call that. >> Wait. So you have the flag on. >> Wait. So you have the flag on. >> Wait. So you have the flag on. >> I had the I made a call a certain way >> I had the I made a call a certain way >> I had the I made a call a certain way like three or four times. He would like three or four times. He would like three or four times. He would straight up go against my call with straight up go against my call with straight up go against my call with whatever he did. So, I'm a little whatever he did. So, I'm a little whatever he did. So, I'm a little frustrated, but I'm kind of just, you frustrated, but I'm kind of just, you frustrated, but I'm kind of just, you know, whatever. We get to halftime and know, whatever. We get to halftime and know, whatever. We get to halftime and we all, you know, as the refs, you go to we all, you know, as the refs, you go to we all, you know, as the refs, you go to the center, you kind of do a little the center, you kind of do a little the center, you kind of do a little little halftime talk, what you liked, little halftime talk, what you liked, little halftime talk, what you liked, what, you know, keep an eye on these what, you know, keep an eye on these what, you know, keep an eye on these things. And the only thing he said to me things. And the only thing he said to me things. And the only thing he said to me is, you know, I really want you to is, you know, I really want you to is, you know, I really want you to assist me. Don't insist on calls. That's assist me. Don't insist on calls. That's assist me. Don't insist on calls. That's all he said. And then he walks away. And all he said. And then he walks away. And all he said. And then he walks away. And as a 14-year-old me, I really didn't as a 14-year-old me, I really didn't as a 14-year-old me, I really didn't understand. I I simply thought, I'm understand. I I simply thought, I'm understand. I I simply thought, I'm making the calls. I'm doing what I've making the calls. I'm doing what I've making the calls. I'm doing what I've been told to do. And been told to do. And been told to do. And really, I didn't take it that seriously really, I didn't take it that seriously really, I didn't take it that seriously because in my head, I was doing the because in my head, I was doing the because in my head, I was doing the right thing. And when we get back to the right thing. And when we get back to the right thing. And when we get back to the tent, you know, I got my own validation tent, you know, I got my own validation tent, you know, I got my own validation as the assigner at that point for the as the assigner at that point for the as the assigner at that point for the whole tournament was telling me, "You're whole tournament was telling me, "You're whole tournament was telling me, "You're doing great. Keep up exactly what you're doing great. Keep up exactly what you're doing great. Keep up exactly what you're doing. you're making the you're making doing. you're making the you're making doing. you're making the you're making good calls. And so I I got the

good calls. And so I I got the good calls. And so I I got the validation and I just I left it at that. validation and I just I left it at that. validation and I just I left it at that. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] [gasps] [gasps] [gasps] >> Oh my gosh. So basically, >> Oh my gosh. So basically, >> Oh my gosh. So basically, it's me. I got this. It's no big deal. it's me. I got this. It's no big deal. it's me. I got this. It's no big deal. >> Most of what I've refed recently has >> Most of what I've refed recently has >> Most of what I've refed recently has been, you know, the single centers, been, you know, the single centers, been, you know, the single centers, seven to 10 year olds usually is what I seven to 10 year olds usually is what I seven to 10 year olds usually is what I deal with for the most part. Um, but deal with for the most part. Um, but deal with for the most part. Um, but that's where I find the the coaches are that's where I find the the coaches are that's where I find the the coaches are the angriest at you. The parents hate the angriest at you. The parents hate the angriest at you. The parents hate you the most. The players honestly you the most. The players honestly you the most. The players honestly disrespect you the most. These eight, disrespect you the most. These eight, disrespect you the most. These eight, nine year olds, they'll talk. They'll nine year olds, they'll talk. They'll nine year olds, they'll talk. They'll say things that, you know, they might say things that, you know, they might say things that, you know, they might catch you off guard a little like, what catch you off guard a little like, what catch you off guard a little like, what are you doing? Why are you saying that? are you doing? Why are you saying that? are you doing? Why are you saying that? you know, it's it's you know, it's it's you know, it's it's gotten to a point where, you know, I gotten to a point where, you know, I gotten to a point where, you know, I don't mind reffing them, but I honestly don't mind reffing them, but I honestly don't mind reffing them, but I honestly I prefer doing the higher level games. I I prefer doing the higher level games. I I prefer doing the higher level games. I prefer the older kids because at least prefer the older kids because at least prefer the older kids because at least you can talk to them in some sense. They you can talk to them in some sense. They you can talk to them in some sense. They don't just sit there, badmouth you, and don't just sit there, badmouth you, and don't just sit there, badmouth you, and then laugh and walk away. You know, the then laugh and walk away. You know, the then laugh and walk away. You know, the coaches aren't as in your face. You coaches aren't as in your face. You coaches aren't as in your face. You know, I'm not going to say the coaches know, I'm not going to say the coaches know, I'm not going to say the coaches don't come at you in the higher games, don't come at you in the higher games, don't come at you in the higher games, but I would say those lower level games but I would say those lower level games but I would say those lower level games have definitely gotten more and more have definitely gotten more and more have definitely gotten more and more hostile.

hostile. hostile. >> Yeah, they have. That that is a big deal >> Yeah, they have. That that is a big deal >> Yeah, they have. That that is a big deal there. U but it's interesting. there. U but it's interesting. there. U but it's interesting. This is where I train my newer referees This is where I train my newer referees This is where I train my newer referees and and and it's difficult it's difficult it's difficult to train them with that much hostility to train them with that much hostility to train them with that much hostility coming from the coaches. Uh, I trusted coming from the coaches. Uh, I trusted coming from the coaches. Uh, I trusted you when you started getting into these you when you started getting into these you when you started getting into these older, now you're older, more older, now you're older, more older, now you're older, more experienced to get those littles and yet experienced to get those littles and yet experienced to get those littles and yet it seems like they just hammer you. Uh, it seems like they just hammer you. Uh, it seems like they just hammer you. Uh, so as a mentor coach, I'm going, whoa. so as a mentor coach, I'm going, whoa. so as a mentor coach, I'm going, whoa. There's times when you have to step in, There's times when you have to step in, There's times when you have to step in, go, "Hey, coach, easy. Calm down. What go, "Hey, coach, easy. Calm down. What go, "Hey, coach, easy. Calm down. What the heck is going on here?" Um, you the heck is going on here?" Um, you the heck is going on here?" Um, you know, we had the experience where I was know, we had the experience where I was know, we had the experience where I was talking to another former referee. she talking to another former referee. she talking to another former referee. she at that age group had to throw out a at that age group had to throw out a at that age group had to throw out a tournament director. You know, it's it's tournament director. You know, it's it's tournament director. You know, it's it's just and that was, you know, 10, 15 just and that was, you know, 10, 15 just and that was, you know, 10, 15 years ago and we're here again. I get years ago and we're here again. I get years ago and we're here again. I get it. You know, everybody wants to be it. You know, everybody wants to be it. You know, everybody wants to be competitive and it's just you got to competitive and it's just you got to competitive and it's just you got to understand you're at the same training understand you're at the same training understand you're at the same training ground the referees are. This is where ground the referees are. This is where ground the referees are. This is where we build them. So, it's interesting. Uh we build them. So, it's interesting. Uh we build them. So, it's interesting. Uh glad to still have you as a referee. You glad to still have you as a referee. You glad to still have you as a referee. You haven't been discouraged yet. Uh you're haven't been discouraged yet. Uh you're haven't been discouraged yet. Uh you're getting some upper level games here and getting some upper level games here and getting some upper level games here and there.

there. there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think you're going to enjoy that. So >> I think you're going to enjoy that. So >> I think you're going to enjoy that. So that is your experience after youth that is your experience after youth that is your experience after youth soccer. But where did it all start for soccer. But where did it all start for soccer. But where did it all start for you? Where where did you begin your you? Where where did you begin your you? Where where did you begin your youth soccer career? youth soccer career? youth soccer career? >> Well, as >> Well, as >> Well, as most of us probably did at some point in most of us probably did at some point in most of us probably did at some point in our lives, we all started at FFPS. our lives, we all started at FFPS. our lives, we all started at FFPS. >> Oh my gosh. >> Oh my gosh. >> Oh my gosh. >> You know, we >> You know, we >> You know, we >> fun, fair, positive soccer. >> fun, fair, positive soccer. >> fun, fair, positive soccer. >> I think I was what, maybe five or six >> I think I was what, maybe five or six >> I think I was what, maybe five or six years old. I was thrown on my first FFPS years old. I was thrown on my first FFPS years old. I was thrown on my first FFPS team and that's where it all began. We team and that's where it all began. We team and that's where it all began. We never looked back. Just kept going from never looked back. Just kept going from never looked back. Just kept going from there. there. there. >> What was uh your favorite thing about >> What was uh your favorite thing about >> What was uh your favorite thing about FFPS soccer? FFPS soccer? FFPS soccer? >> I mean, my favorite thing was something, >> I mean, my favorite thing was something, >> I mean, my favorite thing was something, you know, that was more personal to our you know, that was more personal to our you know, that was more personal to our team. You know, you added a little extra team. You know, you added a little extra team. You know, you added a little extra flare to it. But we had a little banner flare to it. But we had a little banner flare to it. But we had a little banner run out the night before. We would paint run out the night before. We would paint run out the night before. We would paint a really cool banner, hang it up, and a really cool banner, hang it up, and a really cool banner, hang it up, and we'd play some AC/DC on a radio and run we'd play some AC/DC on a radio and run we'd play some AC/DC on a radio and run through the banner at before the game. through the banner at before the game. through the banner at before the game. You know, he's sitting there acting like You know, he's sitting there acting like You know, he's sitting there acting like a this is a big UFC fight that's about a this is a big UFC fight that's about a this is a big UFC fight that's about to happen with these little six-year-old to happen with these little six-year-old to happen with these little six-year-old kids about to, you know, go run around kids about to, you know, go run around kids about to, you know, go run around the FFPS fields. But I always I love the FFPS fields. But I always I love the FFPS fields. But I always I love doing that. I love the the theatrics we doing that. I love the the theatrics we doing that. I love the the theatrics we included in it. you know, it felt like I included in it. you know, it felt like I included in it. you know, it felt like I was part of a big a big game. You know, was part of a big a big game. You know, was part of a big a big game. You know, as a little as a little kid, it makes as a little as a little kid, it makes as a little as a little kid, it makes you feel part of something bigger.

you feel part of something bigger. you feel part of something bigger. >> And that was the most fun, I think. So, >> And that was the most fun, I think. So, >> And that was the most fun, I think. So, FFPS, for those of you that are not FFPS, for those of you that are not FFPS, for those of you that are not aware, it's fun fair positive soccer. aware, it's fun fair positive soccer. aware, it's fun fair positive soccer. It's run by volunteer parents. And it's It's run by volunteer parents. And it's It's run by volunteer parents. And it's really the basics. It's it's what really the basics. It's it's what really the basics. It's it's what developmental soccer is now. Um, but it developmental soccer is now. Um, but it developmental soccer is now. Um, but it just goes on too long. So, for the just goes on too long. So, for the just goes on too long. So, for the couple of years that you're there, you couple of years that you're there, you couple of years that you're there, you kind of try it out. As we said before, kind of try it out. As we said before, kind of try it out. As we said before, it's games are always at the same place. it's games are always at the same place. it's games are always at the same place. It's very cost effective It's very cost effective It's very cost effective >> and there's no real standings, no >> and there's no real standings, no >> and there's no real standings, no rankings. Everyone gets a trophy, the rankings. Everyone gets a trophy, the rankings. Everyone gets a trophy, the uniform's included and you have fun. uniform's included and you have fun. uniform's included and you have fun. >> So, my way of doing it because I was the >> So, my way of doing it because I was the >> So, my way of doing it because I was the volunteer coach was I wanted to make it volunteer coach was I wanted to make it volunteer coach was I wanted to make it more fun because this just seems so more fun because this just seems so more fun because this just seems so bland. It was explained to me and it's bland. It was explained to me and it's bland. It was explained to me and it's like, "Oh, that's it." So somewhere like, "Oh, that's it." So somewhere like, "Oh, that's it." So somewhere along the way, and I remember this that along the way, and I remember this that along the way, and I remember this that it was one of the first times we were it was one of the first times we were it was one of the first times we were with your team, some parent said, "You with your team, some parent said, "You with your team, some parent said, "You know what would be great if we had a run know what would be great if we had a run know what would be great if we had a run through banner and I went, "Whoa, idea. through banner and I went, "Whoa, idea. through banner and I went, "Whoa, idea. I've got a roll of butcher paper and a I've got a roll of butcher paper and a I've got a roll of butcher paper and a ton of paint. Hang on." We made our ton of paint. Hang on." We made our ton of paint. Hang on." We made our first banner. We took our radio boom box first banner. We took our radio boom box first banner. We took our radio boom box out, played AC/DC, and then I stood out, played AC/DC, and then I stood out, played AC/DC, and then I stood there in front of these guys and we're there in front of these guys and we're there in front of these guys and we're like, "Welcome to another matchup of the like, "Welcome to another matchup of the like, "Welcome to another matchup of the Rockets versus the Dragons." And our Rockets versus the Dragons." And our Rockets versus the Dragons." And our parents would be like, "Yeah." And the parents would be like, "Yeah." And the parents would be like, "Yeah." And the other parents, "What's going on?"

other parents, "What's going on?" other parents, "What's going on?" [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] And each one of you would get an intro And each one of you would get an intro And each one of you would get an intro and it was hilarious because I'd be and it was hilarious because I'd be and it was hilarious because I'd be like, "Coming in from parts on No, like, "Coming in from parts on No, like, "Coming in from parts on No, wearing weighing 350 pounds, the wearing weighing 350 pounds, the wearing weighing 350 pounds, the ultimate juggernaut, Porter." And he'd ultimate juggernaut, Porter." And he'd ultimate juggernaut, Porter." And he'd walk in walk in walk in every kid would run on that field and it every kid would run on that field and it every kid would run on that field and it was hilarious. You know, we had a lot of was hilarious. You know, we had a lot of was hilarious. You know, we had a lot of fun with that and it's interesting that fun with that and it's interesting that fun with that and it's interesting that that's what you remember the most from that's what you remember the most from that's what you remember the most from that league because that was the fun of that league because that was the fun of that league because that was the fun of it. You know, we were having fun with it. You know, we were having fun with it. You know, we were having fun with soccer and we had [clears throat] some soccer and we had [clears throat] some soccer and we had [clears throat] some fun on the side. fun on the side. fun on the side. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um I know you weren't keen on the rules. >> Um I know you weren't keen on the rules. >> Um I know you weren't keen on the rules. >> No, they were I was not the biggest fan. >> No, they were I was not the biggest fan. >> No, they were I was not the biggest fan. I would say from when I started playing I would say from when I started playing I would say from when I started playing I I wanted to be competitive, you know. I I wanted to be competitive, you know. I I wanted to be competitive, you know. I wanted to win. I wanted to score, I wanted to win. I wanted to score, I wanted to win. I wanted to score, >> we saw that >> we saw that >> we saw that >> 20 goals, you know, every game, but the >> 20 goals, you know, every game, but the >> 20 goals, you know, every game, but the way FFPS is run, you know, fun, fair, way FFPS is run, you know, fun, fair, way FFPS is run, you know, fun, fair, positive soccer, everyone has equal time positive soccer, everyone has equal time positive soccer, everyone has equal time on the field, so everyone has to be on the field, so everyone has to be on the field, so everyone has to be subbed off and you're only allowed to subbed off and you're only allowed to subbed off and you're only allowed to score three goals. Not anymore. If you score three goals. Not anymore. If you score three goals. Not anymore. If you score more, doesn't count. They don't score more, doesn't count. They don't score more, doesn't count. They don't mark it, you know, it's not any extra mark it, you know, it's not any extra mark it, you know, it's not any extra stats that you get or anything. And I I stats that you get or anything. And I I stats that you get or anything. And I I never cared for that, you know, from never cared for that, you know, from never cared for that, you know, from that age. I was wondering why we weren't that age. I was wondering why we weren't that age. I was wondering why we weren't winning 11 to zero, why we only won four winning 11 to zero, why we only won four winning 11 to zero, why we only won four to zero. It didn't make sense. Or, you to zero. It didn't make sense. Or, you to zero. It didn't make sense. Or, you know, why when I'm scoring eight goals, know, why when I'm scoring eight goals, know, why when I'm scoring eight goals, do I have to be subbed off? You know, I do I have to be subbed off? You know, I do I have to be subbed off? You know, I I never quite understood it.

I never quite understood it. I never quite understood it. >> I'm the greatest player [laughter] here. >> I'm the greatest player [laughter] here. >> I'm the greatest player [laughter] here. >> I thought, you know, I'm the best. I'm >> I thought, you know, I'm the best. I'm >> I thought, you know, I'm the best. I'm the superstar. You know, I I I can't be the superstar. You know, I I I can't be the superstar. You know, I I I can't be getting taken off right now. So, I was getting taken off right now. So, I was getting taken off right now. So, I was never a fan of that. But I think that never a fan of that. But I think that never a fan of that. But I think that that's, you know, where we understood that's, you know, where we understood that's, you know, where we understood that I was a very competitive kid, that I was a very competitive kid, that I was a very competitive kid, especially with soccer. And it probably especially with soccer. And it probably especially with soccer. And it probably didn't help that before games, you know, didn't help that before games, you know, didn't help that before games, you know, a monster energy drink found its way a monster energy drink found its way a monster energy drink found its way into my hand somehow. into my hand somehow. into my hand somehow. >> I have no idea who did that. I'm still >> I have no idea who did that. I'm still >> I have no idea who did that. I'm still investigating that. That's still under investigating that. That's still under investigating that. That's still under investigation. We don't know what kind investigation. We don't know what kind investigation. We don't know what kind of demented person would give a kid of demented person would give a kid of demented person would give a kid monster energy drink, [laughter] monster energy drink, [laughter] monster energy drink, [laughter] but now you have a five, six-year-old but now you have a five, six-year-old but now you have a five, six-year-old kid running back and forth, literally kid running back and forth, literally kid running back and forth, literally trying to score goals on both sides. trying to score goals on both sides. trying to score goals on both sides. We're like, whoa, whoa, whoa. That's not We're like, whoa, whoa, whoa. That's not We're like, whoa, whoa, whoa. That's not our goal. It's over here. [laughter] our goal. It's over here. [laughter] our goal. It's over here. [laughter] Run back the other all the way back the Run back the other all the way back the Run back the other all the way back the other way. Score back in our goal. We're other way. Score back in our goal. We're other way. Score back in our goal. We're like, oh god. But that's how we create like, oh god. But that's how we create like, oh god. But that's how we create we create that competitive nature. So we create that competitive nature. So we create that competitive nature. So yes, you had the substitute. Three goals yes, you had the substitute. Three goals yes, you had the substitute. Three goals was the limit. So we eventually figured was the limit. So we eventually figured was the limit. So we eventually figured out that wasn't going to fit very long.

out that wasn't going to fit very long. out that wasn't going to fit very long. So we moved on. So we moved on to So we moved on. So we moved on to So we moved on. So we moved on to recreational level soccer and we are now recreational level soccer and we are now recreational level soccer and we are now in our first steps at Lamar Soccer Club. in our first steps at Lamar Soccer Club. in our first steps at Lamar Soccer Club. Um Um Um Lamar Soccer Club, we jump in and we go Lamar Soccer Club, we jump in and we go Lamar Soccer Club, we jump in and we go with the Tauros. Our first team is the with the Tauros. Our first team is the with the Tauros. Our first team is the Tauros. And this was fun. Um, we are now Tauros. And this was fun. Um, we are now Tauros. And this was fun. Um, we are now engaged in what 7v7 at that point. Yeah, engaged in what 7v7 at that point. Yeah, engaged in what 7v7 at that point. Yeah, 7v7 soccer. We have our first team 7v7 soccer. We have our first team 7v7 soccer. We have our first team together. together. together. >> This is where you end up meeting uh Josh >> This is where you end up meeting uh Josh >> This is where you end up meeting uh Josh Q, Edwin and Jose Santos. This is your Q, Edwin and Jose Santos. This is your Q, Edwin and Jose Santos. This is your first experience with these kids and we first experience with these kids and we first experience with these kids and we start jelling with them, right? start jelling with them, right? start jelling with them, right? >> We form the Tauros. Not bad. We're >> We form the Tauros. Not bad. We're >> We form the Tauros. Not bad. We're starting to get and get the the rhythm. starting to get and get the the rhythm. starting to get and get the the rhythm. Uh, you guys are starting to learn. But Uh, you guys are starting to learn. But Uh, you guys are starting to learn. But then we form our second squad. then we form our second squad. then we form our second squad. and Barcelona comes to life. So at Lamar and Barcelona comes to life. So at Lamar and Barcelona comes to life. So at Lamar Soccer, we created the team. We called Soccer, we created the team. We called Soccer, we created the team. We called it Barcelona. Lamar Barcelona, it Barcelona. Lamar Barcelona, it Barcelona. Lamar Barcelona, this is where you continue to play with. this is where you continue to play with. this is where you continue to play with. It was you, Josh, Edwin. Santos is still It was you, Josh, Edwin. Santos is still It was you, Josh, Edwin. Santos is still there, but then we pick up Allen, we there, but then we pick up Allen, we there, but then we pick up Allen, we pick up Luis, we grab Tristan, we have pick up Luis, we grab Tristan, we have pick up Luis, we grab Tristan, we have Hayden with us now. And so now this core Hayden with us now. And so now this core Hayden with us now. And so now this core of players is a different experience of players is a different experience of players is a different experience because you we started building this because you we started building this because you we started building this really cool competitive squad.

really cool competitive squad. really cool competitive squad. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> You guys were all goalhungry >> You guys were all goalhungry >> You guys were all goalhungry soccer crazy kids to the point where the soccer crazy kids to the point where the soccer crazy kids to the point where the culture of the squad, right, most of the culture of the squad, right, most of the culture of the squad, right, most of the kids here are are Hispanic. kids here are are Hispanic. kids here are are Hispanic. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And you know, everyone's got that grit, >> And you know, everyone's got that grit, >> And you know, everyone's got that grit, that passion, that dedication. And I that passion, that dedication. And I that passion, that dedication. And I remember we brought uh one of your remember we brought uh one of your remember we brought uh one of your school friends uh Hayden. He comes in school friends uh Hayden. He comes in school friends uh Hayden. He comes in and he's just this lovable, smiley, and he's just this lovable, smiley, and he's just this lovable, smiley, positive kid. We had just taken a loss. positive kid. We had just taken a loss. positive kid. We had just taken a loss. You guys are sitting there grumbling. You guys are sitting there grumbling. You guys are sitting there grumbling. Everyone's mad going h. And I'm just Everyone's mad going h. And I'm just Everyone's mad going h. And I'm just standing off to the side going, "Okay, standing off to the side going, "Okay, standing off to the side going, "Okay, we need to work on some stuff, fellas." we need to work on some stuff, fellas." we need to work on some stuff, fellas." But everyone's quiet. Hayden stands up. But everyone's quiet. Hayden stands up. But everyone's quiet. Hayden stands up. Guys, guys, it's okay. It's okay. It's Guys, guys, it's okay. It's okay. It's Guys, guys, it's okay. It's okay. It's just the game. just the game. just the game. What happened? [laughter] What happened? [laughter] What happened? [laughter] >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um he immediately got I mean all eyes on he immediately got I mean all eyes on he immediately got I mean all eyes on him just like laser be daggers were him just like laser be daggers were him just like laser be daggers were going through him and it was one of going through him and it was one of going through him and it was one of those moments that the instant he said those moments that the instant he said those moments that the instant he said that and he realized that and he realized that and he realized >> that everyone turned to him he >> that everyone turned to him he >> that everyone turned to him he immediately shrunk and from there I mean immediately shrunk and from there I mean immediately shrunk and from there I mean it was I think it was Allan that came in it was I think it was Allan that came in it was I think it was Allan that came in first first first you know saying you know saying you know saying this is life. This is life. Soccer is this is life. This is life. Soccer is this is life. This is life. Soccer is life, fool. I actually wrote the line life, fool. I actually wrote the line life, fool. I actually wrote the line the exact way it was said. All the kids the exact way it was said. All the kids the exact way it was said. All the kids stood up. Allan walked across. They're stood up. Allan walked across. They're stood up. Allan walked across. They're all walking towards this kid. I'm

all walking towards this kid. I'm all walking towards this kid. I'm standing there going, "Uhoh." And standing there going, "Uhoh." And standing there going, "Uhoh." And [clears throat] Allan goes, "Fool. It's [clears throat] Allan goes, "Fool. It's [clears throat] Allan goes, "Fool. It's not just a game. This is life." Edwin, not just a game. This is life." Edwin, not just a game. This is life." Edwin, what's wrong with you? Yeah, man. what's wrong with you? Yeah, man. what's wrong with you? Yeah, man. Football is life. What's wrong with you? Football is life. What's wrong with you? Football is life. What's wrong with you? Santos on the other side. You're wrong, Santos on the other side. You're wrong, Santos on the other side. You're wrong, man. You're wrong. I'm about to step in. man. You're wrong. I'm about to step in. man. You're wrong. I'm about to step in. You stepped up. You stepped up. You stepped up. >> Yeah. In order to, you know, look, I I >> Yeah. In order to, you know, look, I I >> Yeah. In order to, you know, look, I I I liked Tayen. He was a good guy. I I liked Tayen. He was a good guy. I I liked Tayen. He was a good guy. I didn't I did not want to see him get put didn't I did not want to see him get put didn't I did not want to see him get put through the ringer that bad, but I also through the ringer that bad, but I also through the ringer that bad, but I also understood the gravity of the words that understood the gravity of the words that understood the gravity of the words that he had just said in that situation. He he had just said in that situation. He he had just said in that situation. He was trying to positively encourage you was trying to positively encourage you was trying to positively encourage you guys what guys what guys what >> to a bunch of >> to a bunch of >> to a bunch of >> nine 10 year olds that like at that >> nine 10 year olds that like at that >> nine 10 year olds that like at that point in our life we already knew, you point in our life we already knew, you point in our life we already knew, you know, this is our thing. This is what we know, this is our thing. This is what we know, this is our thing. This is what we are going to do. We're going to become are going to do. We're going to become are going to do. We're going to become World Cup winners. This is it. That was World Cup winners. This is it. That was World Cup winners. This is it. That was not the time or place to say. So, you not the time or place to say. So, you not the time or place to say. So, you know, I I walk up to him. I'm like, "All know, I I walk up to him. I'm like, "All know, I I walk up to him. I'm like, "All right, Hayden, right, Hayden, right, Hayden, you can't say that here, man." I go, "I you can't say that here, man." I go, "I you can't say that here, man." I go, "I I get it. I understand.

I get it. I understand. I get it. I understand. Not here. Not here. This is not the Not here. Not here. This is not the Not here. Not here. This is not the place to for the positivity right now. place to for the positivity right now. place to for the positivity right now. You know, let us be angry. Let us fester You know, let us be angry. Let us fester You know, let us be angry. Let us fester a little bit. That's that's what we a little bit. That's that's what we a little bit. That's that's what we need. [laughter] None of this is what we need. [laughter] None of this is what we need. [laughter] None of this is what we need. need. need. >> It's not just a game. >> It's not just a game. >> It's not just a game. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> Stop with the positivity vibes. >> Stop with the positivity vibes. >> Stop with the positivity vibes. [laughter] It's not just a game. We just [laughter] It's not just a game. We just [laughter] It's not just a game. We just got defeated, fool. [laughter] got defeated, fool. [laughter] got defeated, fool. [laughter] >> Oh my gosh. So, it's interesting, right? >> Oh my gosh. So, it's interesting, right? >> Oh my gosh. So, it's interesting, right? The dynamics you see on the team. I The dynamics you see on the team. I The dynamics you see on the team. I mean, I'm standing there as a coach mean, I'm standing there as a coach mean, I'm standing there as a coach watching this going, "Oh god." Okay. watching this going, "Oh god." Okay. watching this going, "Oh god." Okay. Okay. You stepped in, stepped between Okay. You stepped in, stepped between Okay. You stepped in, stepped between them, and then I I was able to move them, and then I I was able to move them, and then I I was able to move Hayden out and be like, "Hey, hey, hey, Hayden out and be like, "Hey, hey, hey, Hayden out and be like, "Hey, hey, hey, it's okay, but coach, it's okay. It's it's okay, but coach, it's okay. It's it's okay, but coach, it's okay. It's okay. Just walk. Hey, go get some okay. Just walk. Hey, go get some okay. Just walk. Hey, go get some oranges. Go get some snacks. It's okay." oranges. Go get some snacks. It's okay." oranges. Go get some snacks. It's okay." Um, but we created a very competitive Um, but we created a very competitive Um, but we created a very competitive squad. Um, so then we go on, I take you squad. Um, so then we go on, I take you squad. Um, so then we go on, I take you guys local. We We're playing locally. I guys local. We We're playing locally. I guys local. We We're playing locally. I say, "Hey, let's see what we're built say, "Hey, let's see what we're built say, "Hey, let's see what we're built of." We go to Angleton, Texas. Go out of of." We go to Angleton, Texas. Go out of of." We go to Angleton, Texas. Go out of town. say, "Hey, let's face some teams town. say, "Hey, let's face some teams town. say, "Hey, let's face some teams we've never faced before." Put you in we've never faced before." Put you in we've never faced before." Put you in the gold brackets and go, "Let's go to a the gold brackets and go, "Let's go to a the gold brackets and go, "Let's go to a tournament." Y tournament." Y tournament." Y >> So, you guys end up going there. What >> So, you guys end up going there. What >> So, you guys end up going there. What was the experience for your very first was the experience for your very first was the experience for your very first tournaments?

tournaments? tournaments? >> Well, I I remember, you know, we go in >> Well, I I remember, you know, we go in >> Well, I I remember, you know, we go in the top bracket. It's kind of a it's a the top bracket. It's kind of a it's a the top bracket. It's kind of a it's a big we don't know what's going to big we don't know what's going to big we don't know what's going to happen. We don't know what teams are happen. We don't know what teams are happen. We don't know what teams are playing. We don't know what level this playing. We don't know what level this playing. We don't know what level this is, but it's just something we haven't is, but it's just something we haven't is, but it's just something we haven't played in. Let's let's give it our best played in. Let's let's give it our best played in. Let's let's give it our best shot. See what happens. So, you know, we shot. See what happens. So, you know, we shot. See what happens. So, you know, we get there and the first game 8-0, we we get there and the first game 8-0, we we get there and the first game 8-0, we we mollywop that team. Second game 6-0, we mollywop that team. Second game 6-0, we mollywop that team. Second game 6-0, we kill that team. Third game 90. kill that team. Third game 90. kill that team. Third game 90. So, at this point, you know, we're holy So, at this point, you know, we're holy So, at this point, you know, we're holy crap, maybe we do got something here. crap, maybe we do got something here. crap, maybe we do got something here. Maybe we are going to go pro. You know, Maybe we are going to go pro. You know, Maybe we are going to go pro. You know, at that point, you know, this is it. You at that point, you know, this is it. You at that point, you know, this is it. You know, we we got something really good know, we we got something really good know, we we got something really good here. We end up winning that tournament. here. We end up winning that tournament. here. We end up winning that tournament. And I believe the final we won like 5 to And I believe the final we won like 5 to And I believe the final we won like 5 to one against that team and that is also one against that team and that is also one against that team and that is also the tournament where I have my personal the tournament where I have my personal the tournament where I have my personal most memorable goal of my life. most memorable goal of my life. most memorable goal of my life. >> I remember that. But tell us about that >> I remember that. But tell us about that >> I remember that. But tell us about that one. one. one. >> So you know it's game's going. We get a >> So you know it's game's going. We get a >> So you know it's game's going. We get a foul at about half field maybe a little foul at about half field maybe a little foul at about half field maybe a little into the half mostly a yard. So it's into the half mostly a yard. So it's into the half mostly a yard. So it's about a half field shot. And you know, I about a half field shot. And you know, I about a half field shot. And you know, I really wasn't intending really wasn't intending really wasn't intending in my head. I was the keeper. So the I in my head. I was the keeper. So the I in my head. I was the keeper. So the I step up because the idea was I'm just step up because the idea was I'm just step up because the idea was I'm just going to kick it into the box and we're going to kick it into the box and we're going to kick it into the box and we're going to fight for it and hope something going to fight for it and hope something going to fight for it and hope something happens.

happens. happens. >> My intention was not to go direct for >> My intention was not to go direct for >> My intention was not to go direct for goal. I wasn't planning on it, but my goal. I wasn't planning on it, but my goal. I wasn't planning on it, but my thought process was I'm just going to thought process was I'm just going to thought process was I'm just going to hit this thing as hard as I can to see hit this thing as hard as I can to see hit this thing as hard as I can to see what happens. So, you know, there I go. what happens. So, you know, there I go. what happens. So, you know, there I go. Take my steps. Launch it. And you know, Take my steps. Launch it. And you know, Take my steps. Launch it. And you know, we're all kind of watching this thing go we're all kind of watching this thing go we're all kind of watching this thing go and it's one of those moments of as it's and it's one of those moments of as it's and it's one of those moments of as it's halfway in the air, you go, "Well, this halfway in the air, you go, "Well, this halfway in the air, you go, "Well, this might go in. I don't know. This is might go in. I don't know. This is might go in. I don't know. This is looking a little good." And keep in looking a little good." And keep in looking a little good." And keep in mind, if the keeper, because it was an mind, if the keeper, because it was an mind, if the keeper, because it was an indirect free kick, right? indirect free kick, right? indirect free kick, right? >> If the keeper had just let it go in, >> If the keeper had just let it go in, >> If the keeper had just let it go in, technically it would not have counted, technically it would not have counted, technically it would not have counted, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Nothing would have happened. >> Nothing would have happened. >> Nothing would have happened. >> But he either didn't know or just in the >> But he either didn't know or just in the >> But he either didn't know or just in the moment saw the ball going over his head. moment saw the ball going over his head. moment saw the ball going over his head. He backpedals, reaches, skims off his He backpedals, reaches, skims off his He backpedals, reaches, skims off his fingers, flies in goal. You know, I'm fingers, flies in goal. You know, I'm fingers, flies in goal. You know, I'm standing there. I'm I'm king of the standing there. I'm I'm king of the standing there. I'm I'm king of the world. We have Josh's brothers on the world. We have Josh's brothers on the world. We have Josh's brothers on the bench, my brother on the bench. They're bench, my brother on the bench. They're bench, my brother on the bench. They're all jumping and screaming. I I'm, you all jumping and screaming. I I'm, you all jumping and screaming. I I'm, you know, on top of the world at that know, on top of the world at that know, on top of the world at that moment. I'm living life.

moment. I'm living life. moment. I'm living life. >> My recollection of that moment, right? >> My recollection of that moment, right? >> My recollection of that moment, right? So, we're there at this tournament. U he So, we're there at this tournament. U he So, we're there at this tournament. U he steps up as the keeper and just do your steps up as the keeper and just do your steps up as the keeper and just do your best. Get it in there. It'll be fine. He best. Get it in there. It'll be fine. He best. Get it in there. It'll be fine. He goes there, bangs this thing in. It goes goes there, bangs this thing in. It goes goes there, bangs this thing in. It goes across, arches into the back of that across, arches into the back of that across, arches into the back of that net. We're all staying there. Everybody net. We're all staying there. Everybody net. We're all staying there. Everybody at that bench. Oh, everybody on the at that bench. Oh, everybody on the at that bench. Oh, everybody on the parent side. Oh, this kid pulls a parent side. Oh, this kid pulls a parent side. Oh, this kid pulls a gladiator moment. Are you not gladiator moment. Are you not gladiator moment. Are you not entertained? He's doing this bit walking entertained? He's doing this bit walking entertained? He's doing this bit walking back to the back to the back to the I'm like, what [laughter] the heck? So, I'm like, what [laughter] the heck? So, I'm like, what [laughter] the heck? So, this is what was created. Right now, of this is what was created. Right now, of this is what was created. Right now, of course, as a soccer coach, I was being course, as a soccer coach, I was being course, as a soccer coach, I was being asked by a couple of the dads, "What are asked by a couple of the dads, "What are asked by a couple of the dads, "What are you teaching them?" They are like, "Go you teaching them?" They are like, "Go you teaching them?" They are like, "Go hungry, be someone." This is them. It hungry, be someone." This is them. It hungry, be someone." This is them. It really was mostly you guys. I was just really was mostly you guys. I was just really was mostly you guys. I was just fortunate enough to be able to guide you fortunate enough to be able to guide you fortunate enough to be able to guide you uh the way we wanted to. Uh you guys uh the way we wanted to. Uh you guys uh the way we wanted to. Uh you guys were just competitive as heck, which was were just competitive as heck, which was were just competitive as heck, which was fantastic for me. I look like a mad fantastic for me. I look like a mad fantastic for me. I look like a mad genius as a coach, [laughter] but these genius as a coach, [laughter] but these genius as a coach, [laughter] but these guys were just goal hungry animals. Uh, guys were just goal hungry animals. Uh, guys were just goal hungry animals. Uh, so we had some good times there. We went so we had some good times there. We went so we had some good times there. We went to the tax time tournament. That was to the tax time tournament. That was to the tax time tournament. That was another big one we tried to win. Uh, and another big one we tried to win. Uh, and another big one we tried to win. Uh, and I remember that George Bush Park again.

I remember that George Bush Park again. I remember that George Bush Park again. We get down to the finals and uh, we're We get down to the finals and uh, we're We get down to the finals and uh, we're zero zero. It's like 30 seconds left in zero zero. It's like 30 seconds left in zero zero. It's like 30 seconds left in the game and I bring the keeper up. the game and I bring the keeper up. the game and I bring the keeper up. Luis, same tactic. Say, Luis, step in Luis, same tactic. Say, Luis, step in Luis, same tactic. Say, Luis, step in here. All of you get in the box. Luis is here. All of you get in the box. Luis is here. All of you get in the box. Luis is going to try and get the ball there. And going to try and get the ball there. And going to try and get the ball there. And what happened to that one? what happened to that one? what happened to that one? >> I mean, you know, >> I mean, you know, >> I mean, you know, he launches it in. It's one of those of he launches it in. It's one of those of he launches it in. It's one of those of it goes just over our head so we can't it goes just over our head so we can't it goes just over our head so we can't win it. And you know it's it's all right win it. And you know it's it's all right win it. And you know it's it's all right keeper's gonna collect this like let's keeper's gonna collect this like let's keeper's gonna collect this like let's start getting back and you know it's you start getting back and you know it's you start getting back and you know it's you start turning but as you're turning you start turning but as you're turning you start turning but as you're turning you see him bobble it and it just like slow see him bobble it and it just like slow see him bobble it and it just like slow motion rolls over the line. Keeper's motion rolls over the line. Keeper's motion rolls over the line. Keeper's diving can't get to it. Hits the net. We diving can't get to it. Hits the net. We diving can't get to it. Hits the net. We freak out you know. We all run to Luis. freak out you know. We all run to Luis. freak out you know. We all run to Luis. We're like oh like you just did it. We We're like oh like you just did it. We We're like oh like you just did it. We won. That's it. You know, we're jumping won. That's it. You know, we're jumping won. That's it. You know, we're jumping up and down. As soon as they kick off, up and down. As soon as they kick off, up and down. As soon as they kick off, game's over. We lose our minds. You game's over. We lose our minds. You game's over. We lose our minds. You know, we're all freaking out cuz you know, we're all freaking out cuz you know, we're all freaking out cuz you don't score half field shots every day.

don't score half field shots every day. don't score half field shots every day. That's not something you see. You know, That's not something you see. You know, That's not something you see. You know, we were so excited that once the game we were so excited that once the game we were so excited that once the game had finished, they said, "Okay guys, so had finished, they said, "Okay guys, so had finished, they said, "Okay guys, so the trophy, like the award ceremony's the trophy, like the award ceremony's the trophy, like the award ceremony's going to be over in the pavilion, every going to be over in the pavilion, every going to be over in the pavilion, every single full sprint to that pavilion. We single full sprint to that pavilion. We single full sprint to that pavilion. We wanted our medals. We wanted that first wanted our medals. We wanted that first wanted our medals. We wanted that first place trophy. We're like, "We won this place trophy. We're like, "We won this place trophy. We're like, "We won this thing. Give it to us." thing. Give it to us." thing. Give it to us." >> It was crazy to watch. You know, again, >> It was crazy to watch. You know, again, >> It was crazy to watch. You know, again, we had just built this team. We had been we had just built this team. We had been we had just built this team. We had been tested in in down in Angleton. Now, here tested in in down in Angleton. Now, here tested in in down in Angleton. Now, here you guys are at a local tournament and you guys are at a local tournament and you guys are at a local tournament and you guys take it. Uh, and again at the you guys take it. Uh, and again at the you guys take it. Uh, and again at the end pulling the keeper and I say, "Same end pulling the keeper and I say, "Same end pulling the keeper and I say, "Same tactic." He went at it. I guess he tactic." He went at it. I guess he tactic." He went at it. I guess he followed your lead. He goes, "Well, if followed your lead. He goes, "Well, if followed your lead. He goes, "Well, if Porter can do that, he banged it up Porter can do that, he banged it up Porter can do that, he banged it up there. He bobbles it." That's like I there. He bobbles it." That's like I there. He bobbles it." That's like I kept telling you guys, hit that defense. kept telling you guys, hit that defense. kept telling you guys, hit that defense. Let them make the mistakes. and that was Let them make the mistakes. and that was Let them make the mistakes. and that was fantastic. We take another trophy home. fantastic. We take another trophy home. fantastic. We take another trophy home. Um, it was your first experience. So, Um, it was your first experience. So, Um, it was your first experience. So, with Barcelona and this this is going to with Barcelona and this this is going to with Barcelona and this this is going to be a recurring theme later for you be a recurring theme later for you be a recurring theme later for you through your career as a soccer player, through your career as a soccer player, through your career as a soccer player, but you're the coach's kid, right?

but you're the coach's kid, right? but you're the coach's kid, right? You're also my you're my patch. You're also my you're my patch. You're also my you're my patch. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You're you're my my plug where things go >> You're you're my my plug where things go >> You're you're my my plug where things go wrong. wrong. wrong. >> So, hey, I need a keeper. I need you >> So, hey, I need a keeper. I need you >> So, hey, I need a keeper. I need you back there. Nope. Nope. I need more back there. Nope. Nope. I need more back there. Nope. Nope. I need more goals. I need your striker. Wait, that goals. I need your striker. Wait, that goals. I need your striker. Wait, that defense is not working out. I need that defense is not working out. I need that defense is not working out. I need that kid stopped. kid stopped. kid stopped. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> And I remember it was Barcelona. We were >> And I remember it was Barcelona. We were >> And I remember it was Barcelona. We were losing. This one kid kept running losing. This one kid kept running losing. This one kid kept running through. Running through. You're at the through. Running through. You're at the through. Running through. You're at the top. I'm like, "Hey, I need you back top. I'm like, "Hey, I need you back top. I'm like, "Hey, I need you back here. I need that kid stopped. No more here. I need that kid stopped. No more here. I need that kid stopped. No more goals for that kid." goals for that kid." goals for that kid." >> Nope. >> Nope. >> Nope. >> Right. But we lost that. I think it was >> Right. But we lost that. I think it was >> Right. But we lost that. I think it was like a 54. We got second place in the like a 54. We got second place in the like a 54. We got second place in the city tournament. Uh but we had a lot of city tournament. Uh but we had a lot of city tournament. Uh but we had a lot of fun with that. fun with that. fun with that. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Uh and that was our tactic, right? That >> Uh and that was our tactic, right? That >> Uh and that was our tactic, right? That we didn't really work on the defense we didn't really work on the defense we didn't really work on the defense back then. The development for you guys back then. The development for you guys back then. The development for you guys was ball forward. We played heavy was ball forward. We played heavy was ball forward. We played heavy towards the front. Yeah. They scored on towards the front. Yeah. They scored on towards the front. Yeah. They scored on us, but then we took them back. us, but then we took them back. us, but then we took them back. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> And that's how we played. Uh so we had a >> And that's how we played. Uh so we had a >> And that's how we played. Uh so we had a lot of fun with that. So then the team lot of fun with that. So then the team lot of fun with that. So then the team starts falling apart and we end up starts falling apart and we end up starts falling apart and we end up moving you to Fusion. Now this one I moving you to Fusion. Now this one I moving you to Fusion. Now this one I love National Fusion. I Your older love National Fusion. I Your older love National Fusion. I Your older brother had had just signed there. So brother had had just signed there. So brother had had just signed there. So now I'm paying a thousand bucks. We are now I'm paying a thousand bucks. We are now I'm paying a thousand bucks. We are in competitive level ball, right?

in competitive level ball, right? in competitive level ball, right? >> You come up and I say, "Hey, I'm >> You come up and I say, "Hey, I'm >> You come up and I say, "Hey, I'm dragging you with me. This other coach dragging you with me. This other coach dragging you with me. This other coach is holding a practice with his little is holding a practice with his little is holding a practice with his little kids there." Yeah. And I say, "Hey, kids there." Yeah. And I say, "Hey, kids there." Yeah. And I say, "Hey, those look about the right age." So, I those look about the right age." So, I those look about the right age." So, I walk over to him. You have no team at walk over to him. You have no team at walk over to him. You have no team at this time. this time. this time. >> No, I was in limbo. >> No, I was in limbo. >> No, I was in limbo. >> You were in limbo. We We had no soccer >> You were in limbo. We We had no soccer >> You were in limbo. We We had no soccer team. Chris is playing. I walk up to the team. Chris is playing. I walk up to the team. Chris is playing. I walk up to the coach say, "Hey, coach say, "Hey, coach say, "Hey, uh, I've got a kid. He's not playing uh, I've got a kid. He's not playing uh, I've got a kid. He's not playing right now. Would it be okay if he plays right now. Would it be okay if he plays right now. Would it be okay if he plays with you and see if he qualifies for with you and see if he qualifies for with you and see if he qualifies for your team?" He says, "Yes, bring him your team?" He says, "Yes, bring him your team?" He says, "Yes, bring him here." So, I go up to you and go, "Hey, here." So, I go up to you and go, "Hey, here." So, I go up to you and go, "Hey, [snorts] this guy says you can play." [snorts] this guy says you can play." [snorts] this guy says you can play." I'm thinking they're about your age. I'm thinking they're about your age. I'm thinking they're about your age. They're what, 13 years old. They're what, 13 years old. They're what, 13 years old. >> They were 13. >> They were 13. >> They were 13. maybe just hitting 11 at that point. maybe just hitting 11 at that point. maybe just hitting 11 at that point. >> And I say, "You could do this. Go >> And I say, "You could do this. Go >> And I say, "You could do this. Go there." And the coach says, "We need to there." And the coach says, "We need to there." And the coach says, "We need to have cleats and shinguards." Which we have cleats and shinguards." Which we have cleats and shinguards." Which we didn't have any shining guards cuz you didn't have any shining guards cuz you didn't have any shining guards cuz you weren't playing. weren't playing. weren't playing. >> Nope. >> Nope. >> Nope. >> So, what do we end up doing for that >> So, what do we end up doing for that >> So, what do we end up doing for that one? one? one? >> So, you know, we we go to Old Reliable. >> So, you know, we we go to Old Reliable. >> So, you know, we we go to Old Reliable. Go to the truck. We're, you know, just Go to the truck. We're, you know, just Go to the truck. We're, you know, just kind of looking for anything. And kind of looking for anything. And kind of looking for anything. And there's a box of cardboard. Just rip it there's a box of cardboard. Just rip it there's a box of cardboard. Just rip it up, shove it in my socks. Coach looks at up, shove it in my socks. Coach looks at up, shove it in my socks. Coach looks at me, just kind of goes, "Sounds good. Get me, just kind of goes, "Sounds good. Get me, just kind of goes, "Sounds good. Get in there. throws me in there, you know, in there. throws me in there, you know, in there. throws me in there, you know, just once again it was I had no clue.

just once again it was I had no clue. just once again it was I had no clue. All I knew he went talked to this coach, All I knew he went talked to this coach, All I knew he went talked to this coach, comes back to me. Okay, they're a little comes back to me. Okay, they're a little comes back to me. Okay, they're a little older than you, but he'll let you go older than you, but he'll let you go older than you, but he'll let you go play. Go just go see how you do. And you play. Go just go see how you do. And you play. Go just go see how you do. And you know to to them, I'm a random kid. I know to to them, I'm a random kid. I know to to them, I'm a random kid. I just show up. They don't know me. I just show up. They don't know me. I just show up. They don't know me. I don't know them. Randomly do just a don't know them. Randomly do just a don't know them. Randomly do just a practice, you know, just a kid on the practice, you know, just a kid on the practice, you know, just a kid on the hill comes out to play with you. And hill comes out to play with you. And hill comes out to play with you. And then after that, you know, did the then after that, you know, did the then after that, you know, did the practice with him, comes up to me and my practice with him, comes up to me and my practice with him, comes up to me and my dad just come back, come back next time. dad just come back, come back next time. dad just come back, come back next time. Just keep bringing him. And that was Just keep bringing him. And that was Just keep bringing him. And that was that was it. From there, I was signed by that was it. From there, I was signed by that was it. From there, I was signed by Coach Simone. Coach Simone. Coach Simone. >> Coach Simone >> Coach Simone >> Coach Simone >> and National Fusion. >> and National Fusion. >> and National Fusion. >> National Fusion. So you got you're now >> National Fusion. So you got you're now >> National Fusion. So you got you're now you're playing in competitive you're playing in competitive you're playing in competitive >> competitive two years. >> competitive two years. >> competitive two years. >> Two years up 11 v11. You came from 9v9 >> Two years up 11 v11. You came from 9v9 >> Two years up 11 v11. You came from 9v9 >> 9 wreck >> 9 wreck >> 9 wreck >> to 11 v11 competitive soccer. So you >> to 11 v11 competitive soccer. So you >> to 11 v11 competitive soccer. So you made your first team. made your first team. made your first team. >> Yep. with coach Simone and now you're >> Yep. with coach Simone and now you're >> Yep. with coach Simone and now you're fighting for the spot, right? Because fighting for the spot, right? Because fighting for the spot, right? Because Mr. Competitive Kid here is not just Mr. Competitive Kid here is not just Mr. Competitive Kid here is not just satisfied on making the team, right? He satisfied on making the team, right? He satisfied on making the team, right? He decides, well, if I'm going to compete, decides, well, if I'm going to compete, decides, well, if I'm going to compete, I'm going to compete. There was one kid I'm going to compete. There was one kid I'm going to compete. There was one kid there shall remain unnamed, but did not there shall remain unnamed, but did not there shall remain unnamed, but did not like you because he had the starting like you because he had the starting like you because he had the starting spot. He was the superstar.

spot. He was the superstar. spot. He was the superstar. >> First game of the season, he gets subbed >> First game of the season, he gets subbed >> First game of the season, he gets subbed out. You get subbed in. And what do you out. You get subbed in. And what do you out. You get subbed in. And what do you do? do? do? >> Yeah. So >> Yeah. So >> Yeah. So I, you know, I was the little kid that, I, you know, I was the little kid that, I, you know, I was the little kid that, you know, was you know, was you know, was I'm probably in his mind, you know, how I'm probably in his mind, you know, how I'm probably in his mind, you know, how could this kid, you know, I I'm a could this kid, you know, I I'm a could this kid, you know, I I'm a teenager, be better than me or compete teenager, be better than me or compete teenager, be better than me or compete with me. So, you know, we were playing with me. So, you know, we were playing with me. So, you know, we were playing the game. I think I didn't even get to the game. I think I didn't even get to the game. I think I didn't even get to play for the first like 30 minutes. play for the first like 30 minutes. play for the first like 30 minutes. >> I'm not on the field. Finally, all >> I'm not on the field. Finally, all >> I'm not on the field. Finally, all right, come out, just go in. He just the right, come out, just go in. He just the right, come out, just go in. He just the strategy was just let's see what you strategy was just let's see what you strategy was just let's see what you just do what you do see what happens go just do what you do see what happens go just do what you do see what happens go in within the first 5 to 10 minutes on in within the first 5 to 10 minutes on in within the first 5 to 10 minutes on the field I just remember get to the top the field I just remember get to the top the field I just remember get to the top of the box I cut in and I'm just like of the box I cut in and I'm just like of the box I cut in and I'm just like I'mma launch it boom put my foot through I'mma launch it boom put my foot through I'mma launch it boom put my foot through a top corner just first first few a top corner just first first few a top corner just first first few minutes I've played for this team and minutes I've played for this team and minutes I've played for this team and once again I'm standing there like once again I'm standing there like once again I'm standing there like I'm here like you know welcome to my go.

I'm here like you know welcome to my go. I'm here like you know welcome to my go. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] I was that was essentially my thought. I I was that was essentially my thought. I I was that was essentially my thought. I was so just like, "Oh yeah, like look at was so just like, "Oh yeah, like look at was so just like, "Oh yeah, like look at me go in [laughter] that moment." I was me go in [laughter] that moment." I was me go in [laughter] that moment." I was so proud of myself. You know, it's just so proud of myself. You know, it's just so proud of myself. You know, it's just you got to have a little bit of ego when you got to have a little bit of ego when you got to have a little bit of ego when you're playing. you're playing. you're playing. >> You do. You [laughter] do. And this is >> You do. You [laughter] do. And this is >> You do. You [laughter] do. And this is cool. I mean, but this is what happens, cool. I mean, but this is what happens, cool. I mean, but this is what happens, right? This is the competitive leagues right? This is the competitive leagues right? This is the competitive leagues now. This is what it was then. It's now. This is what it was then. It's now. This is what it was then. It's crazy now. um difficult to outshine crazy now. um difficult to outshine crazy now. um difficult to outshine others like that because they put teams others like that because they put teams others like that because they put teams of that same kind of player together and of that same kind of player together and of that same kind of player together and it's difficult to just come up on top of it's difficult to just come up on top of it's difficult to just come up on top of that. It's it's a lot harder. Um so then that. It's it's a lot harder. Um so then that. It's it's a lot harder. Um so then we end up going through the season was we end up going through the season was we end up going through the season was your second time that you're being used your second time that you're being used your second time that you're being used as a patch for this team. Now you're the as a patch for this team. Now you're the as a patch for this team. Now you're the youngest one. youngest one. youngest one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I recall [laughter] coach Simone >> And I recall [laughter] coach Simone >> And I recall [laughter] coach Simone screaming at you that one game. What screaming at you that one game. What screaming at you that one game. What were the words? I love those words. were the words? I love those words. were the words? I love those words. >> So I don't remember. I think he just he >> So I don't remember. I think he just he >> So I don't remember. I think he just he left me at striker. We were up either left me at striker. We were up either left me at striker. We were up either one zero or like two to one. And he one zero or like two to one. And he one zero or like two to one. And he goes, "Okay, boys, everybody stay in our goes, "Okay, boys, everybody stay in our goes, "Okay, boys, everybody stay in our half, Porter." And he just points to the half, Porter." And he just points to the half, Porter." And he just points to the entire half of the field that everyone entire half of the field that everyone entire half of the field that everyone like is on the opponent's half just like is on the opponent's half just like is on the opponent's half just goes, "All of this is your space now.

goes, "All of this is your space now. goes, "All of this is your space now. Do whatever you want." And I'm sitting Do whatever you want." And I'm sitting Do whatever you want." And I'm sitting there, you know, 12 years old now, just there, you know, 12 years old now, just there, you know, 12 years old now, just kind of looking at this whole field kind of looking at this whole field kind of looking at this whole field like, "Okay, coach, I don't I don't know like, "Okay, coach, I don't I don't know like, "Okay, coach, I don't I don't know what I'm going to do here, but I got it. what I'm going to do here, but I got it. what I'm going to do here, but I got it. >> Just have fun with it. Just score more." >> Just have fun with it. Just score more." >> Just have fun with it. Just score more." >> I don't I don't think I really had an >> I don't I don't think I really had an >> I don't I don't think I really had an effect solo running on that half of the effect solo running on that half of the effect solo running on that half of the field at that point. But the strategy field at that point. But the strategy field at that point. But the strategy was just was just was just >> give the ball to >> give the ball to >> give the ball to >> give the ball up the field and let's see >> give the ball up the field and let's see >> give the ball up the field and let's see what happens. what happens. what happens. >> Oh my gosh. So again, you're a patch. >> Oh my gosh. So again, you're a patch. >> Oh my gosh. So again, you're a patch. Uh, but then the team starts to disband. Uh, but then the team starts to disband. Uh, but then the team starts to disband. The whole fusion's going under. The whole fusion's going under. The whole fusion's going under. Everything's crashing. So, we move you Everything's crashing. So, we move you Everything's crashing. So, we move you out again. out again. out again. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We go back to Lamar. So, back to Lamar >> We go back to Lamar. So, back to Lamar >> We go back to Lamar. So, back to Lamar Soccer. We're back in here. And now we Soccer. We're back in here. And now we Soccer. We're back in here. And now we form the Jaguars. Now, this was form the Jaguars. Now, this was form the Jaguars. Now, this was interesting because now we're at a high interesting because now we're at a high interesting because now we're at a high competitive. competitive. competitive. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. You're competing. You're facing >> Right. You're competing. You're facing >> Right. You're competing. You're facing all these teams and we go back down a all these teams and we go back down a all these teams and we go back down a level to wreck ball. level to wreck ball. level to wreck ball. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> But >> But >> But you had a lot of fun with the Jaguars. you had a lot of fun with the Jaguars. you had a lot of fun with the Jaguars. >> I did. >> I did. >> I did. >> What was the difference? I enjoyed the >> What was the difference? I enjoyed the >> What was the difference? I enjoyed the Jaguars because, you know, like I it was Jaguars because, you know, like I it was Jaguars because, you know, like I it was it was not a competitive team. It was it was not a competitive team. It was it was not a competitive team. It was very much so. Everyone there was just very much so. Everyone there was just very much so. Everyone there was just enjoying themselves. They were hanging enjoying themselves. They were hanging enjoying themselves. They were hanging out with friends. They were, you know, out with friends. They were, you know, out with friends. They were, you know, they like soccer, so why not hang out, they like soccer, so why not hang out, they like soccer, so why not hang out, kick a ball with some friends. Maybe you kick a ball with some friends. Maybe you kick a ball with some friends. Maybe you win a game or two here and there. That's win a game or two here and there. That's win a game or two here and there. That's pretty cool. But but the overall mindset pretty cool. But but the overall mindset pretty cool. But but the overall mindset was just, hey, we're just having fun.

was just, hey, we're just having fun. was just, hey, we're just having fun. And it was such a different way of And it was such a different way of And it was such a different way of playing the game to me. You know, I went playing the game to me. You know, I went playing the game to me. You know, I went from I want to win. I want to be from I want to win. I want to be from I want to win. I want to be competitive. 20 goals a game to like, competitive. 20 goals a game to like, competitive. 20 goals a game to like, oh, like look at what he did. That's oh, like look at what he did. That's oh, like look at what he did. That's pretty funny. Oh, he fell over. All pretty funny. Oh, he fell over. All pretty funny. Oh, he fell over. All right. You know, that was that was right. You know, that was that was right. You know, that was that was pretty good. You know, we're cracking pretty good. You know, we're cracking pretty good. You know, we're cracking jokes in the middle of a game. We're jokes in the middle of a game. We're jokes in the middle of a game. We're laughing at each other. We we didn't laughing at each other. We we didn't laughing at each other. We we didn't care. We didn't care if we won. We care. We didn't care if we won. We care. We didn't care if we won. We didn't care how good we did in the didn't care how good we did in the didn't care how good we did in the season. It was just like, if we win, season. It was just like, if we win, season. It was just like, if we win, that's cool. But hey, like just enjoy that's cool. But hey, like just enjoy that's cool. But hey, like just enjoy yourself. yourself. yourself. >> So, you meet a whole new group of guys. >> So, you meet a whole new group of guys. >> So, you meet a whole new group of guys. So now you've got Marco, you've got Juan So now you've got Marco, you've got Juan So now you've got Marco, you've got Juan Andy. Andy. Andy. >> Andy >> Andy >> Andy >> who could run the ball all the way to >> who could run the ball all the way to >> who could run the ball all the way to the goal every time. the goal every time. the goal every time. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> But could not put it in the goal. >> But could not put it in the goal. >> But could not put it in the goal. >> Oh no. [laughter] >> Oh no. [laughter] >> Oh no. [laughter] >> So Andy, I hope you've done better >> So Andy, I hope you've done better >> So Andy, I hope you've done better things, man. But things, man. But things, man. But >> you were awesome, dude. You It was >> you were awesome, dude. You It was >> you were awesome, dude. You It was great. You were fast. You were quick. great. You were fast. You were quick. great. You were fast. You were quick. Got all the way there many times. Got all the way there many times. Got all the way there many times. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> He could have been a hundred goal a >> He could have been a hundred goal a >> He could have been a hundred goal a season goal scorer with us if if he got season goal scorer with us if if he got season goal scorer with us if if he got his finishing down. his finishing down. his finishing down. >> Oh my god. >> Oh my god. >> Oh my god. >> He had everything. but that last little >> He had everything. but that last little >> He had everything. but that last little bit. So, we go there, we have a lot of bit. So, we go there, we have a lot of bit. So, we go there, we have a lot of fun with the Jaguars. I think we did fun with the Jaguars. I think we did fun with the Jaguars. I think we did like a season with them. We brought Josh like a season with them. We brought Josh like a season with them. We brought Josh back out.

back out. back out. >> Had a good time. And then now your older >> Had a good time. And then now your older >> Had a good time. And then now your older brother's playing in the competitive, brother's playing in the competitive, brother's playing in the competitive, super competitive Huskys, super competitive Huskys, super competitive Huskys, >> Huskys Soccer Academy. >> Huskys Soccer Academy. >> Huskys Soccer Academy. >> So then they say, "Hey, >> So then they say, "Hey, >> So then they say, "Hey, they're having triyouts for your age they're having triyouts for your age they're having triyouts for your age group, but you've been playing 11v1 ball group, but you've been playing 11v1 ball group, but you've been playing 11v1 ball >> since you bumped up at Fusion." >> since you bumped up at Fusion." >> since you bumped up at Fusion." >> Yeah. Nobody realizes you're actually >> Yeah. Nobody realizes you're actually >> Yeah. Nobody realizes you're actually not that age until you get to Huskys. not that age until you get to Huskys. not that age until you get to Huskys. >> I still I believe I still played up age >> I still I believe I still played up age >> I still I believe I still played up age in J with the Jaguars. in J with the Jaguars. in J with the Jaguars. >> Yeah, you were playing up with the >> Yeah, you were playing up with the >> Yeah, you were playing up with the Jaguars. We were still 11 v1. So we just Jaguars. We were still 11 v1. So we just Jaguars. We were still 11 v1. So we just had you there. had you there. had you there. >> We never thought about his age. >> We never thought about his age. >> We never thought about his age. >> So then you go to Huskies and they put >> So then you go to Huskies and they put >> So then you go to Huskies and they put you in your age group and you're back you in your age group and you're back you in your age group and you're back down to 9v9 ball going, "Wait, what? down to 9v9 ball going, "Wait, what? down to 9v9 ball going, "Wait, what? What's this about?" What's this about?" What's this about?" >> Yeah. Everything was small. >> Yeah. Everything was small. >> Yeah. Everything was small. >> And everybody was smaller. I thought >> And everybody was smaller. I thought >> And everybody was smaller. I thought everyone was smaller. The field just everyone was smaller. The field just everyone was smaller. The field just felt tiny to me, you know? I was like, I felt tiny to me, you know? I was like, I felt tiny to me, you know? I was like, I don't have the room that I'm used to. don't have the room that I'm used to. don't have the room that I'm used to. It's really weird to try and readapt to It's really weird to try and readapt to It's really weird to try and readapt to the smaller field. But I did very easily the smaller field. But I did very easily the smaller field. But I did very easily with those guys because they were with those guys because they were with those guys because they were players like me, players that were very players like me, players that were very players like me, players that were very competitive, that from a young age competitive, that from a young age competitive, that from a young age understood the game, understood how to understood the game, understood how to understood the game, understood how to play, how it worked, how their bodies play, how it worked, how their bodies play, how it worked, how their bodies worked, you know, just like me. So, it's worked, you know, just like me. So, it's worked, you know, just like me. So, it's a lot of fun when you can play as fast a lot of fun when you can play as fast a lot of fun when you can play as fast as you want at that level that you want as you want at that level that you want as you want at that level that you want to. You're not worried about someone to. You're not worried about someone to. You're not worried about someone that's just missing a kick or just that's just missing a kick or just that's just missing a kick or just falling over in that way. You you're falling over in that way. You you're falling over in that way. You you're you're back to like we're here to win.

you're back to like we're here to win. you're back to like we're here to win. We're here to be the best. And I love We're here to be the best. And I love We're here to be the best. And I love that. that. that. >> So, that was a good experience. Then >> So, that was a good experience. Then >> So, that was a good experience. Then going to Huskies. going to Huskies. going to Huskies. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Uh you got to play with you said >> Uh you got to play with you said >> Uh you got to play with you said like-minded individuals. Every single like-minded individuals. Every single like-minded individuals. Every single one of these kids is dedicated. They one of these kids is dedicated. They one of these kids is dedicated. They want to win. they want to play and what want to win. they want to play and what want to win. they want to play and what was your experience then? So from Wreck was your experience then? So from Wreck was your experience then? So from Wreck Ball, FFPS through Wreck Ball, I had Ball, FFPS through Wreck Ball, I had Ball, FFPS through Wreck Ball, I had coached you all then all through that. coached you all then all through that. coached you all then all through that. Then you had gone through Fusion and Then you had gone through Fusion and Then you had gone through Fusion and then back to Lamar, back to Huskys, now then back to Lamar, back to Huskys, now then back to Lamar, back to Huskys, now to Huskys. How did that help you as far to Huskys. How did that help you as far to Huskys. How did that help you as far as you know, your understanding of the as you know, your understanding of the as you know, your understanding of the sport when you got there? sport when you got there? sport when you got there? >> I mean, you know, you see all >> I mean, you know, you see all >> I mean, you know, you see all perspectives, all sides of the sport, perspectives, all sides of the sport, perspectives, all sides of the sport, competitive to non-competitive. You just competitive to non-competitive. You just competitive to non-competitive. You just see different ways the game is played. see different ways the game is played. see different ways the game is played. But I what helped me the most really was But I what helped me the most really was But I what helped me the most really was playing up having an older brother that playing up having an older brother that playing up having an older brother that I would, you know, train with. I would I would, you know, train with. I would I would, you know, train with. I would train with his team sometimes. You know, train with his team sometimes. You know, train with his team sometimes. You know, if they had indoor soccer, sometimes I if they had indoor soccer, sometimes I if they had indoor soccer, sometimes I go play with him. So I was always used go play with him. So I was always used go play with him. So I was always used to playing two to four years up, kids to playing two to four years up, kids to playing two to four years up, kids bigger than me, stronger than me, bigger than me, stronger than me, bigger than me, stronger than me, playing at a faster level. And so when playing at a faster level. And so when playing at a faster level. And so when we went to Huskys at that point, you we went to Huskys at that point, you we went to Huskys at that point, you know, we're coming up to an academy know, we're coming up to an academy know, we're coming up to an academy level level level that that pace is expected. When you're that that pace is expected. When you're that that pace is expected. When you're playing with those older kids, you know, playing with those older kids, you know, playing with those older kids, you know, you're used to that the ball's coming in you're used to that the ball's coming in you're used to that the ball's coming in fast, move the ball fast, be strong on fast, move the ball fast, be strong on fast, move the ball fast, be strong on the ball, think quickly. You know, it the ball, think quickly. You know, it the ball, think quickly. You know, it helped me, especially mentally helped me, especially mentally helped me, especially mentally understand how to play the game at that understand how to play the game at that understand how to play the game at that speed that was needed.

speed that was needed. speed that was needed. >> So now your experience has leveled up. >> So now your experience has leveled up. >> So now your experience has leveled up. Um, we brought some of our old teammates Um, we brought some of our old teammates Um, we brought some of our old teammates back. So Josh Q, you brought Josh over. back. So Josh Q, you brought Josh over. back. So Josh Q, you brought Josh over. You brought Tristan. Yeah. You brought Tristan. Yeah. You brought Tristan. Yeah. >> Jose Santos. You bring them in. These >> Jose Santos. You bring them in. These >> Jose Santos. You bring them in. These are some of the former Barcelona kids. are some of the former Barcelona kids. are some of the former Barcelona kids. Right. Those mindset that the kids with Right. Those mindset that the kids with Right. Those mindset that the kids with that same mindset. We bring them in. that same mindset. We bring them in. that same mindset. We bring them in. Tristan then has a cousin who we had Tristan then has a cousin who we had Tristan then has a cousin who we had been competing against back in the days been competing against back in the days been competing against back in the days of Barcelona. Uh, Zayn and Kik. of Barcelona. Uh, Zayn and Kik. of Barcelona. Uh, Zayn and Kik. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> And they had seen us develop that squad. >> And they had seen us develop that squad. >> And they had seen us develop that squad. So then they bring us over to this one So then they bring us over to this one So then they bring us over to this one and they had played against you guys as and they had played against you guys as and they had played against you guys as Huskys. Huskys. Huskys. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And they said, "Hey, why is Tristan over >> And they said, "Hey, why is Tristan over >> And they said, "Hey, why is Tristan over there?" So they bump over now. We've got there?" So they bump over now. We've got there?" So they bump over now. We've got this group of just killers, right? These this group of just killers, right? These this group of just killers, right? These kids are all ball hungry. Yeah. kids are all ball hungry. Yeah. kids are all ball hungry. Yeah. >> Very easy to train. Everyone's ready to >> Very easy to train. Everyone's ready to >> Very easy to train. Everyone's ready to go. Uh so the world of competitive go. Uh so the world of competitive go. Uh so the world of competitive soccer gets here. Now with the Huskies soccer gets here. Now with the Huskies soccer gets here. Now with the Huskies was really cool. You got to do some was really cool. You got to do some was really cool. You got to do some really cool tournaments with them. really cool tournaments with them. really cool tournaments with them. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. uh got to play some really good teams uh got to play some really good teams uh got to play some really good teams and went to the state cup a couple of and went to the state cup a couple of and went to the state cup a couple of times.

times. times. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> What's your most memorable tournament >> What's your most memorable tournament >> What's your most memorable tournament with the Huskies? with the Huskies? with the Huskies? >> Well, I mean the the big the big one >> Well, I mean the the big the big one >> Well, I mean the the big the big one that we did that you know you're never that we did that you know you're never that we did that you know you're never going to forget it, but we got to go to going to forget it, but we got to go to going to forget it, but we got to go to Sweden to play at that point what was Sweden to play at that point what was Sweden to play at that point what was the youth World Cup called the Gothia the youth World Cup called the Gothia the youth World Cup called the Gothia Cup. Cup. Cup. >> The Gothia Cup. Now the Gothia Cup is >> The Gothia Cup. Now the Gothia Cup is >> The Gothia Cup. Now the Gothia Cup is still there, right? It's still in still there, right? It's still in still there, right? It's still in Sweden. It's a big fantastic to do. It's Sweden. It's a big fantastic to do. It's Sweden. It's a big fantastic to do. It's a big deal. Uh yeah, you got the a big deal. Uh yeah, you got the a big deal. Uh yeah, you got the opportunity. So, we have to get the opportunity. So, we have to get the opportunity. So, we have to get the money. I saw my wife into slavery and we money. I saw my wife into slavery and we money. I saw my wife into slavery and we get the money together to get you to get the money together to get you to get the money together to get you to Sweden. She actually had to take a Sweden. She actually had to take a Sweden. She actually had to take a second job. We had to get all that cash second job. We had to get all that cash second job. We had to get all that cash together to put, you know, the passport. together to put, you know, the passport. together to put, you know, the passport. Got everything done. Got you a passport. Got everything done. Got you a passport. Got everything done. Got you a passport. Boom. Sign it. Boom. You're off to Boom. Sign it. Boom. You're off to Boom. Sign it. Boom. You're off to Sweden. Sweden. Sweden. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> What was that like going to the Youth >> What was that like going to the Youth >> What was that like going to the Youth World Cup? I mean, it was really so much World Cup? I mean, it was really so much World Cup? I mean, it was really so much fun. You know, you meet so many people. fun. You know, you meet so many people. fun. You know, you meet so many people. You get to see the game in a whole You get to see the game in a whole You get to see the game in a whole different way. You know, you're watching different way. You know, you're watching different way. You know, you're watching in stadiums. We got to go watch the pro in stadiums. We got to go watch the pro in stadiums. We got to go watch the pro teams in Denmark play when we stay in teams in Denmark play when we stay in teams in Denmark play when we stay in Denmark for a little bit. But at the Denmark for a little bit. But at the Denmark for a little bit. But at the actual Gothia Cup, you know, you're actual Gothia Cup, you know, you're actual Gothia Cup, you know, you're playing against international teams.

playing against international teams. playing against international teams. Like for us, we didn't get too much Like for us, we didn't get too much Like for us, we didn't get too much exposure outside of the Swedish teams exposure outside of the Swedish teams exposure outside of the Swedish teams that were there. We did get to play one that were there. We did get to play one that were there. We did get to play one team from the UK, but like one of the team from the UK, but like one of the team from the UK, but like one of the older teams we brought, they played a older teams we brought, they played a older teams we brought, they played a Spanish team, a Croatian team, and a Spanish team, a Croatian team, and a Spanish team, a Croatian team, and a Swedish team. So, you know, you're Swedish team. So, you know, you're Swedish team. So, you know, you're really seeing really seeing really seeing >> the world of of soccer, the world of >> the world of of soccer, the world of >> the world of of soccer, the world of football at that point. football at that point. football at that point. >> Nice. That was pretty cool. I mean, and >> Nice. That was pretty cool. I mean, and >> Nice. That was pretty cool. I mean, and you got uh to go through the uh through you got uh to go through the uh through you got uh to go through the uh through the market there. They have like a big the market there. They have like a big the market there. They have like a big market square. market square. market square. >> Yep. They have a big square. It was >> Yep. They have a big square. It was >> Yep. They have a big square. It was actually one of the main sponsors was actually one of the main sponsors was actually one of the main sponsors was Ibrahimovic. So he plastered everywhere. Ibrahimovic. So he plastered everywhere. Ibrahimovic. So he plastered everywhere. I think it was his perfume they were I think it was his perfume they were I think it was his perfume they were advertising at that point. advertising at that point. advertising at that point. >> Yeah, it was the main. You just get to >> Yeah, it was the main. You just get to >> Yeah, it was the main. You just get to walk down. You see the flags of every walk down. You see the flags of every walk down. You see the flags of every country that's attending. country that's attending. country that's attending. >> That's pretty a cool experience and very >> That's pretty a cool experience and very >> That's pretty a cool experience and very eye opening. eye opening. eye opening. >> Now your experience on the field. Now >> Now your experience on the field. Now >> Now your experience on the field. Now you got to step on a field. you got to step on a field. you got to step on a field. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And you played against the Swedes, the >> And you played against the Swedes, the >> And you played against the Swedes, the Vikings. Vikings. Vikings. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> What was that experience like? Well, I >> What was that experience like? Well, I >> What was that experience like? Well, I mean, first thing with them is they hit mean, first thing with them is they hit mean, first thing with them is they hit their growth spurts a little earlier their growth spurts a little earlier their growth spurts a little earlier than we do. [laughter] than we do. [laughter] than we do. [laughter] >> So, you know, at that point, we were 13, >> So, you know, at that point, we were 13, >> So, you know, at that point, we were 13, 14 year olds. Um, and these kids were 14 year olds. Um, and these kids were 14 year olds. Um, and these kids were playing against, they're supposed to be playing against, they're supposed to be playing against, they're supposed to be our age, allegedly. They're already 6 our age, allegedly. They're already 6 our age, allegedly. They're already 6 foot tall, 6 foot plus, you know, foot tall, 6 foot plus, you know, foot tall, 6 foot plus, you know, they're all rocking the ponytails and they're all rocking the ponytails and they're all rocking the ponytails and everything. They're just built. And everything. They're just built. And everything. They're just built. And we're sitting here, you know, our we're sitting here, you know, our we're sitting here, you know, our biggest players maybe 510 biggest players maybe 510 biggest players maybe 510 and that's our keeper. So, we're like, and that's our keeper. So, we're like, and that's our keeper. So, we're like, well,

well, well, >> we gotta do this our way, you know, our >> we gotta do this our way, you know, our >> we gotta do this our way, you know, our way of way of way of >> we don't really need to fight you. We're >> we don't really need to fight you. We're >> we don't really need to fight you. We're just going to move the ball how we know. just going to move the ball how we know. just going to move the ball how we know. We're going to play it. We're going to We're going to play it. We're going to We're going to play it. We're going to move pass. That was our game. move pass. That was our game. move pass. That was our game. >> Now, Coach Steve with the Huskies really >> Now, Coach Steve with the Huskies really >> Now, Coach Steve with the Huskies really taught you guys a lot. I mean, you taught you guys a lot. I mean, you taught you guys a lot. I mean, you learned a lot about how to play the game learned a lot about how to play the game learned a lot about how to play the game at a different style and speed. So when at a different style and speed. So when at a different style and speed. So when you guys went over to Sweden, you guys you guys went over to Sweden, you guys you guys went over to Sweden, you guys were competitive. were competitive. were competitive. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> You guys got to play. So you And there's >> You guys got to play. So you And there's >> You guys got to play. So you And there's the game in Denmark. You guys were the game in Denmark. You guys were the game in Denmark. You guys were hanging about. But you actually have an hanging about. But you actually have an hanging about. But you actually have an international goal. Couple of international goal. Couple of international goal. Couple of international goals, right, that were international goals, right, that were international goals, right, that were scored there. scored there. scored there. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> You scored there. There's >> You scored there. There's >> You scored there. There's one photo action shot right there. You one photo action shot right there. You one photo action shot right there. You can see the kids getting ready to smack can see the kids getting ready to smack can see the kids getting ready to smack you down. Now the Swedes apparently very you down. Now the Swedes apparently very you down. Now the Swedes apparently very physical players. physical players. physical players. >> Yes, they are. They love to just body. >> Yes, they are. They love to just body. >> Yes, they are. They love to just body. >> Yeah. They'll they'll take you down. >> Yeah. They'll they'll take you down. >> Yeah. They'll they'll take you down. They don't question it one bit. They don't question it one bit. They don't question it one bit. >> And you got in there and you still got >> And you got in there and you still got >> And you got in there and you still got to score a goal. to score a goal. to score a goal. >> Oh yeah. I mean, you know, it was one of >> Oh yeah. I mean, you know, it was one of >> Oh yeah. I mean, you know, it was one of those moments of break down the line. I those moments of break down the line. I those moments of break down the line. I cut inside. I just remember I get into cut inside. I just remember I get into cut inside. I just remember I get into the box and boom, two massive backs are the box and boom, two massive backs are the box and boom, two massive backs are sandwiched in front of me. The ball's sandwiched in front of me. The ball's sandwiched in front of me. The ball's right there. Something in my mind told right there. Something in my mind told right there. Something in my mind told me I can still get to that. and through me I can still get to that. and through me I can still get to that. and through one of their legs. I toe poke the ball, one of their legs. I toe poke the ball, one of their legs. I toe poke the ball, bounces off the post, rolls on the line.

bounces off the post, rolls on the line. bounces off the post, rolls on the line. And I remember, you know, it's one of And I remember, you know, it's one of And I remember, you know, it's one of those moments of I could tap this in, be those moments of I could tap this in, be those moments of I could tap this in, be professional, or I could just put my professional, or I could just put my professional, or I could just put my foot through this ball from zero yards foot through this ball from zero yards foot through this ball from zero yards out. Everything I got, make a statement. out. Everything I got, make a statement. out. Everything I got, make a statement. And that's when I hit that ball as hard And that's when I hit that ball as hard And that's when I hit that ball as hard as I could. And I'm cheering because our as I could. And I'm cheering because our as I could. And I'm cheering because our coaches, you know, they understood coaches, you know, they understood coaches, you know, they understood where we were at, the experience we were where we were at, the experience we were where we were at, the experience we were having. One of our coaches told us, you having. One of our coaches told us, you having. One of our coaches told us, you know, when you score, know, when you score, know, when you score, >> we don't care about y'all being >> we don't care about y'all being >> we don't care about y'all being professional here like we typically do. professional here like we typically do. professional here like we typically do. >> Celebrate like you scored in the World >> Celebrate like you scored in the World >> Celebrate like you scored in the World Cup. Celebrate like you scored Cup. Celebrate like you scored Cup. Celebrate like you scored internationally. So I I'm running down internationally. So I I'm running down internationally. So I I'm running down the line. I'm cheering. I'm thumping my the line. I'm cheering. I'm thumping my the line. I'm cheering. I'm thumping my chest, pointing to the badge, the whole chest, pointing to the badge, the whole chest, pointing to the badge, the whole nine yards. You know, I'm really taking nine yards. You know, I'm really taking nine yards. You know, I'm really taking it in that I scored a goal. it in that I scored a goal. it in that I scored a goal. >> This is interesting. Now, let me give >> This is interesting. Now, let me give >> This is interesting. Now, let me give you the experience back home cuz I was you the experience back home cuz I was you the experience back home cuz I was watching this game online with the watching this game online with the watching this game online with the technology back then. What was it 2011 technology back then. What was it 2011 technology back then. What was it 2011 or 20ome? Technology was horrible. They or 20ome? Technology was horrible. They or 20ome? Technology was horrible. They were live streaming. Live streaming back were live streaming. Live streaming back were live streaming. Live streaming back then is not live streaming now. They then is not live streaming now. They then is not live streaming now. They didn't have a a producer like Ben man in didn't have a a producer like Ben man in didn't have a a producer like Ben man in the chair to get that signal in. Nobody the chair to get that signal in. Nobody the chair to get that signal in. Nobody could hack Chinese satellites back then.

could hack Chinese satellites back then. could hack Chinese satellites back then. All we had was whatever internet All we had was whatever internet All we had was whatever internet service. I'm watching at 3:00 in the service. I'm watching at 3:00 in the service. I'm watching at 3:00 in the morning this game. And it says in morning this game. And it says in morning this game. And it says in writing like like Google number 12 down writing like like Google number 12 down writing like like Google number 12 down the line dribble dribble dribble number the line dribble dribble dribble number the line dribble dribble dribble number 12 towards the middle spinny circle and 12 towards the middle spinny circle and 12 towards the middle spinny circle and I went what's going on hey I went what's going on hey I went what's going on hey a good what felt to me two hours later a good what felt to me two hours later a good what felt to me two hours later must have been like three minutes and it must have been like three minutes and it must have been like three minutes and it comes back and it goes goal number 12 comes back and it goes goal number 12 comes back and it goes goal number 12 United States and I was like so you know United States and I was like so you know United States and I was like so you know you're already celebrating five minutes you're already celebrating five minutes you're already celebrating five minutes later, I'm back in the States. All right. 3 o'clock in the morning. Try All right. 3 o'clock in the morning. Try not to wake everybody else up. not to wake everybody else up. not to wake everybody else up. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> But that was the experience back home. >> But that was the experience back home. >> But that was the experience back home. Uh so that was a lot of fun then. So you Uh so that was a lot of fun then. So you Uh so that was a lot of fun then. So you got to see a lot more of the plane the got to see a lot more of the plane the got to see a lot more of the plane the play styles of the world out there. play styles of the world out there. play styles of the world out there. Yeah. And Yeah. And Yeah. And >> you guys were actually competitive >> you guys were actually competitive >> you guys were actually competitive there. there. there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That's pretty cool. Um what was your >> That's pretty cool. Um what was your >> That's pretty cool. Um what was your favorite part of that experience? I mean favorite part of that experience? I mean favorite part of that experience? I mean besides the goal scoring, right? I mean, besides the goal scoring, right? I mean, besides the goal scoring, right? I mean, my favorite part was just wandering my favorite part was just wandering my favorite part was just wandering around Sweden for a while, you know, around Sweden for a while, you know, around Sweden for a while, you know, really seeing the different cultures, really seeing the different cultures, really seeing the different cultures, seeing the different people, talking to seeing the different people, talking to seeing the different people, talking to people, just getting to experience people, just getting to experience people, just getting to experience something that I had never seen before something that I had never seen before something that I had never seen before that I never thought I would get to that I never thought I would get to that I never thought I would get to experience in my life. Just getting to experience in my life. Just getting to experience in my life. Just getting to walk through that and do that was really walk through that and do that was really walk through that and do that was really just just just >> for me personally an eye opener of of

>> for me personally an eye opener of of >> for me personally an eye opener of of the world. Like there's so much out the world. Like there's so much out the world. Like there's so much out there. So much more than just what's there. So much more than just what's there. So much more than just what's right here at home. right here at home. right here at home. >> Cool. >> Cool. >> Cool. >> I want to go see it. I want to >> I want to go see it. I want to >> I want to go see it. I want to experience it. experience it. experience it. >> Nice. And we thank Husky Soccer Academy >> Nice. And we thank Husky Soccer Academy >> Nice. And we thank Husky Soccer Academy for the experiences. Uh Coach Steve for the experiences. Uh Coach Steve for the experiences. Uh Coach Steve Jones and coach Joey Serala. Uh those Jones and coach Joey Serala. Uh those Jones and coach Joey Serala. Uh those guys were amazing to work with. Uh guys were amazing to work with. Uh guys were amazing to work with. Uh unfortunately, right, the club ended up unfortunately, right, the club ended up unfortunately, right, the club ended up disbanding. So now they take that team. disbanding. So now they take that team. disbanding. So now they take that team. Coach Steve moves you over to Houston Coach Steve moves you over to Houston Coach Steve moves you over to Houston Texans. Texans. Texans. >> You guys are still that team. >> You guys are still that team. >> You guys are still that team. Um but it's starting to kind of, you Um but it's starting to kind of, you Um but it's starting to kind of, you know, fizzle out. know, fizzle out. know, fizzle out. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh he's still trying to keep you guys >> Uh he's still trying to keep you guys >> Uh he's still trying to keep you guys going, but moving into a different club, going, but moving into a different club, going, but moving into a different club, the experience becomes, well, we have the experience becomes, well, we have the experience becomes, well, we have different rules and those younger different rules and those younger different rules and those younger players can't play with these older players can't play with these older players can't play with these older players and we need them to be in players and we need them to be in players and we need them to be in separate teams. So that was difficult. separate teams. So that was difficult. separate teams. So that was difficult. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And it's during this time um when the And it's during this time um when the And it's during this time um when the team starts disbanding, you start really team starts disbanding, you start really team starts disbanding, you start really questioning questioning questioning why or how much longer am I doing this? why or how much longer am I doing this? why or how much longer am I doing this? >> Uh what what changed in that experience >> Uh what what changed in that experience >> Uh what what changed in that experience then with the youth soccer?

then with the youth soccer? then with the youth soccer? >> Well, so at that point, I think when we >> Well, so at that point, I think when we >> Well, so at that point, I think when we transitioned to Texans, it was freshman transitioned to Texans, it was freshman transitioned to Texans, it was freshman year of high school for me. And at that year of high school for me. And at that year of high school for me. And at that point, I had really been branching out point, I had really been branching out point, I had really been branching out things I was doing. I I had joined band. things I was doing. I I had joined band. things I was doing. I I had joined band. I was really, you [clears throat] know, I was really, you [clears throat] know, I was really, you [clears throat] know, focusing on school and trying to do focusing on school and trying to do focusing on school and trying to do different things with that. But band different things with that. But band different things with that. But band really, that's a commitment. Especially really, that's a commitment. Especially really, that's a commitment. Especially during the marching band season, during the marching band season, during the marching band season, >> it's a lot. You know, you have >> it's a lot. You know, you have >> it's a lot. You know, you have rehearsals. rehearsals. rehearsals. >> Sometimes before school, you know, >> Sometimes before school, you know, >> Sometimes before school, you know, during the summer, you have 12-hour long during the summer, you have 12-hour long during the summer, you have 12-hour long days of just band. And then once school days of just band. And then once school days of just band. And then once school starts, you know, you have all your starts, you know, you have all your starts, you know, you have all your classes. Immediately after school, you classes. Immediately after school, you classes. Immediately after school, you have band class or band rehearsal. have band class or band rehearsal. have band class or band rehearsal. You're out outside in the parking lot You're out outside in the parking lot You're out outside in the parking lot for four plus hours sometimes and then for four plus hours sometimes and then for four plus hours sometimes and then immediately after that, you know, it's immediately after that, you know, it's immediately after that, you know, it's eight o'clock. You just finished with eight o'clock. You just finished with eight o'clock. You just finished with band practice. I got to run inside, come band practice. I got to run inside, come band practice. I got to run inside, come back outside, someone either you or back outside, someone either you or back outside, someone either you or Terra's there waiting for me, got my bag Terra's there waiting for me, got my bag Terra's there waiting for me, got my bag ready for practice. Immediately off we ready for practice. Immediately off we ready for practice. Immediately off we go to practice. hop out, do all the go to practice. hop out, do all the go to practice. hop out, do all the practice, you know, don't finish until practice, you know, don't finish until practice, you know, don't finish until 9:30, 9:45, 9:30, 9:45, 9:30, 9:45, getting home at 10:30. It was always getting home at 10:30. It was always getting home at 10:30. It was always late because at that point, we were late because at that point, we were late because at that point, we were still able to practice at HBU. So, we still able to practice at HBU. So, we still able to practice at HBU. So, we were we were still coming out here to do were we were still coming out here to do were we were still coming out here to do everything.

everything. everything. >> And then, you know, you're home at >> And then, you know, you're home at >> And then, you know, you're home at 10:30, got to eat dinner. Now, you have 10:30, got to eat dinner. Now, you have 10:30, got to eat dinner. Now, you have seven classes worth of homework. You got seven classes worth of homework. You got seven classes worth of homework. You got to practice for band. I have these to practice for band. I have these to practice for band. I have these projects. You know, there were nights projects. You know, there were nights projects. You know, there were nights where I get back at 10:30. I got an hour where I get back at 10:30. I got an hour where I get back at 10:30. I got an hour nap in for the night between, you know, nap in for the night between, you know, nap in for the night between, you know, doing projects. Like I would work until doing projects. Like I would work until doing projects. Like I would work until 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. take an hour nap, wake 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. take an hour nap, wake 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. take an hour nap, wake up, finish the homework or project, go up, finish the homework or project, go up, finish the homework or project, go to school. And so it became very to school. And so it became very to school. And so it became very stressful very fast. It started taking stressful very fast. It started taking stressful very fast. It started taking its toll. You know, mentally I was just its toll. You know, mentally I was just its toll. You know, mentally I was just getting run into the ground at that getting run into the ground at that getting run into the ground at that point. I was trying to be very good at point. I was trying to be very good at point. I was trying to be very good at trumpet. I was really I was a good trumpet. I was really I was a good trumpet. I was really I was a good trumpet trumpet trumpet but to be the best you know you put the but to be the best you know you put the but to be the best you know you put the time in you have to work same as soccer time in you have to work same as soccer time in you have to work same as soccer you have to put the time in and so you have to put the time in and so you have to put the time in and so having two huge commitments like that having two huge commitments like that having two huge commitments like that physically so demanding mentally physically so demanding mentally physically so demanding mentally extremely draining so it really started extremely draining so it really started extremely draining so it really started to hurt me of where I was like I don't to hurt me of where I was like I don't to hurt me of where I was like I don't know what my priorities are exactly know what my priorities are exactly know what my priorities are exactly right now I don't know what I want to right now I don't know what I want to right now I don't know what I want to commit to you know I have so many commit to you know I have so many commit to you know I have so many options but It's getting to the point options but It's getting to the point options but It's getting to the point where something needs to I have to take where something needs to I have to take where something needs to I have to take a path.

a path. a path. >> Okay. All right. Um so yeah, then they >> Okay. All right. Um so yeah, then they >> Okay. All right. Um so yeah, then they move from Texans to Ansel Alliance to move from Texans to Ansel Alliance to move from Texans to Ansel Alliance to Albon. You finish out your youth career. Albon. You finish out your youth career. Albon. You finish out your youth career. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You're still playing high school. >> You're still playing high school. >> You're still playing high school. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and just trying to to to juggle all >> Um and just trying to to to juggle all >> Um and just trying to to to juggle all this. I saw I'd seen you kind of waffle this. I saw I'd seen you kind of waffle this. I saw I'd seen you kind of waffle in your mind going, I don't know where I in your mind going, I don't know where I in your mind going, I don't know where I want to go with this. Um, but you know, want to go with this. Um, but you know, want to go with this. Um, but you know, Ansa was I think the biggest thing that Ansa was I think the biggest thing that Ansa was I think the biggest thing that broke us up. Uh, because that team broke us up. Uh, because that team broke us up. Uh, because that team really gets pulled apart completely. really gets pulled apart completely. really gets pulled apart completely. >> You're now just kind of I'll show up >> You're now just kind of I'll show up >> You're now just kind of I'll show up when I show up. when I show up. when I show up. >> Eh, but they pulled you back one more >> Eh, but they pulled you back one more >> Eh, but they pulled you back one more time when Coach Steve reformed the squad time when Coach Steve reformed the squad time when Coach Steve reformed the squad for Albon. for Albon. for Albon. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> To help you guys get back together one >> To help you guys get back together one >> To help you guys get back together one last time. last time. last time. >> So, you do it one last time and you guys >> So, you do it one last time and you guys >> So, you do it one last time and you guys are still grinding out, but I could tell are still grinding out, but I could tell are still grinding out, but I could tell you were kind of I'm here. I'm not here. you were kind of I'm here. I'm not here. you were kind of I'm here. I'm not here. You got some of the joy back. You got some of the joy back. You got some of the joy back. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think playing with the boys again. It >> I think playing with the boys again. It >> I think playing with the boys again. It was the same squad again. You guys were was the same squad again. You guys were was the same squad again. You guys were together. That was a good thing. together. That was a good thing. together. That was a good thing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, I thought that was good. But then >> So, I thought that was good. But then >> So, I thought that was good. But then you get all the way there, you get to you get all the way there, you get to you get all the way there, you get to graduation, it's over. Coach Steve has graduation, it's over. Coach Steve has graduation, it's over. Coach Steve has college opportunities for you and you college opportunities for you and you college opportunities for you and you say, "No, I I left. I said no more. No say, "No, I I left. I said no more. No say, "No, I I left. I said no more. No mas. I was done." You know, I that last mas. I was done." You know, I that last mas. I was done." You know, I that last year, you know, I did I enjoyed playing year, you know, I did I enjoyed playing year, you know, I did I enjoyed playing the game again. I was having a lot of the game again. I was having a lot of the game again. I was having a lot of fun. You know, I was playing good, too.

fun. You know, I was playing good, too. fun. You know, I was playing good, too. I I was bright bringing my level back up I I was bright bringing my level back up I I was bright bringing my level back up to where it was before to where I I was to where it was before to where I I was to where it was before to where I I was happy with it. But it was still just the happy with it. But it was still just the happy with it. But it was still just the thought process of at that point I was thought process of at that point I was thought process of at that point I was really leaning towards, you know, really leaning towards, you know, really leaning towards, you know, mechanical engineering for college. I I mechanical engineering for college. I I mechanical engineering for college. I I had wanted to focus on an advanced had wanted to focus on an advanced had wanted to focus on an advanced degree, a higher level thing. I really degree, a higher level thing. I really degree, a higher level thing. I really wanted to do something high level at at wanted to do something high level at at wanted to do something high level at at school. And from high school, I I knew school. And from high school, I I knew school. And from high school, I I knew the toll that takes, especially if the toll that takes, especially if the toll that takes, especially if you're going to commit to a college you're going to commit to a college you're going to commit to a college level soccer team, that's an even bigger level soccer team, that's an even bigger level soccer team, that's an even bigger commitment than a club team. You know, commitment than a club team. You know, commitment than a club team. You know, they have huge expectations for you. they have huge expectations for you. they have huge expectations for you. You're on a strict schedule, strict You're on a strict schedule, strict You're on a strict schedule, strict grades. you know, nothing can falter at grades. you know, nothing can falter at grades. you know, nothing can falter at that point. And I I knew that point. And I I knew that point. And I I knew if high school took so much of a toll on if high school took so much of a toll on if high school took so much of a toll on me that I was already contemplating me that I was already contemplating me that I was already contemplating just playing in general, just playing in general, just playing in general, college was going to be even worse. college was going to be even worse. college was going to be even worse. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> And I I made the decision that >> And I I made the decision that >> And I I made the decision that >> I will enjoy the game from afar. I will >> I will enjoy the game from afar. I will >> I will enjoy the game from afar. I will watch it. I love the game. You know, watch it. I love the game. You know, watch it. I love the game. You know, I'll play with my friends, pick up games I'll play with my friends, pick up games I'll play with my friends, pick up games here and there. You know, I'll still ref here and there. You know, I'll still ref here and there. You know, I'll still ref it. I'm around the game constantly. I it. I'm around the game constantly. I it. I'm around the game constantly. I still love it. Still watch it. Still, still love it. Still watch it. Still, still love it. Still watch it. Still, you know, immerse myself in it as much you know, immerse myself in it as much you know, immerse myself in it as much as I can, but just was not wanting to as I can, but just was not wanting to as I can, but just was not wanting to play.

play. play. >> This is so interesting. And this is this >> This is so interesting. And this is this >> This is so interesting. And this is this is this is the cautionary part for as a is this is the cautionary part for as a is this is the cautionary part for as a parent, right? Um parent, right? Um parent, right? Um we gear everything to help you guys we gear everything to help you guys we gear everything to help you guys succeed. So, you know, this we we succeed. So, you know, this we we succeed. So, you know, this we we created VFI athletics as as a coach, as created VFI athletics as as a coach, as created VFI athletics as as a coach, as a strength trainer. I pushed together a strength trainer. I pushed together a strength trainer. I pushed together this program to one because your brother this program to one because your brother this program to one because your brother was injured. was injured. was injured. >> Two, you guys were looking for strength >> Two, you guys were looking for strength >> Two, you guys were looking for strength and conditioning program to help you and conditioning program to help you and conditioning program to help you guys advance. Yeah. So, VFI Athletics guys advance. Yeah. So, VFI Athletics guys advance. Yeah. So, VFI Athletics gets created at this point and I'm gets created at this point and I'm gets created at this point and I'm putting every ounce of energy into it to putting every ounce of energy into it to putting every ounce of energy into it to to try to get you guys forward. to try to get you guys forward. to try to get you guys forward. >> Um, but then as the kid gets there, >> Um, but then as the kid gets there, >> Um, but then as the kid gets there, right, it's a matter of the perspective right, it's a matter of the perspective right, it's a matter of the perspective you had 14 years you had been with the you had 14 years you had been with the you had 14 years you had been with the youth soccer system. 14 years. So, you youth soccer system. 14 years. So, you youth soccer system. 14 years. So, you had a career. had a career. had a career. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Literally a career of this. Uh I think >> Literally a career of this. Uh I think >> Literally a career of this. Uh I think you'd gotten to the point where you it you'd gotten to the point where you it you'd gotten to the point where you it felt more like a job. felt more like a job. felt more like a job. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> And you had fun the senior year, but you >> And you had fun the senior year, but you >> And you had fun the senior year, but you were like, "Enough." And all these were like, "Enough." And all these were like, "Enough." And all these offers were there. And I'm thinking, "Oh offers were there. And I'm thinking, "Oh offers were there. And I'm thinking, "Oh man, this is great. Just four more years man, this is great. Just four more years man, this is great. Just four more years of this and you're done." And you were of this and you're done." And you were of this and you're done." And you were like, "No, I'm actually done now." And like, "No, I'm actually done now." And like, "No, I'm actually done now." And I'm like, "Okay, which one are you I'm like, "Okay, which one are you I'm like, "Okay, which one are you signing?" None. And I'm done. And you're signing?" None. And I'm done. And you're signing?" None. And I'm done. And you're like, "Oh." And as a [snorts] parent, like, "Oh." And as a [snorts] parent, like, "Oh." And as a [snorts] parent, you've got to be ready for the point you've got to be ready for the point you've got to be ready for the point where your kids hang up the cleats, where your kids hang up the cleats, where your kids hang up the cleats, right? This is when they do it, it's right? This is when they do it, it's right? This is when they do it, it's done. It's over. That this has nothing done. It's over. That this has nothing done. It's over. That this has nothing to do with me. And you have to face that to do with me. And you have to face that to do with me. And you have to face that fact going, well, this is your life.

fact going, well, this is your life. fact going, well, this is your life. You're going to become who you're going You're going to become who you're going You're going to become who you're going to become. I've pushed you as far as you to become. I've pushed you as far as you to become. I've pushed you as far as you go. go. go. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I'll help you with the next level. >> I'll help you with the next level. >> I'll help you with the next level. That's all there is. You know, and that That's all there is. You know, and that That's all there is. You know, and that you get dismissed. You're like, "Oh, you get dismissed. You're like, "Oh, you get dismissed. You're like, "Oh, okay. I'm okay with it. If you don't okay. I'm okay with it. If you don't okay. I'm okay with it. If you don't want to play anymore, I don't mind." want to play anymore, I don't mind." want to play anymore, I don't mind." It's like, "Oh my gosh." You have to It's like, "Oh my gosh." You have to It's like, "Oh my gosh." You have to learn to adapt. So for us as a parent, learn to adapt. So for us as a parent, learn to adapt. So for us as a parent, that's what we see. And for parents out that's what we see. And for parents out that's what we see. And for parents out there that are dealing with the kids there that are dealing with the kids there that are dealing with the kids right now at 8, nine, 10 years old, right now at 8, nine, 10 years old, right now at 8, nine, 10 years old, right? You're paying this big money and right? You're paying this big money and right? You're paying this big money and you're going through these experiences. you're going through these experiences. you're going through these experiences. I can tell you if you get to that point, I can tell you if you get to that point, I can tell you if you get to that point, you can't be mad. You're not trying. I you can't be mad. You're not trying. I you can't be mad. You're not trying. I mean, because what are you actually mean, because what are you actually mean, because what are you actually investing in? Are you paying for the investing in? Are you paying for the investing in? Are you paying for the scholarship that he might get later? You scholarship that he might get later? You scholarship that he might get later? You just paid for university at this point. just paid for university at this point. just paid for university at this point. >> Yeah. It's like, I paid, you know, >> Yeah. It's like, I paid, you know, >> Yeah. It's like, I paid, you know, $80,000 through the course of your $80,000 through the course of your $80,000 through the course of your soccer career, soccer career, soccer career, >> but you got no degree. Oh, come on, man. >> but you got no degree. Oh, come on, man. >> but you got no degree. Oh, come on, man. >> Right. Um, but now you're making it. >> Right. Um, but now you're making it. >> Right. Um, but now you're making it. You're you're looking back on it as this You're you're looking back on it as this You're you're looking back on it as this experience. Um, experience. Um, experience. Um, it's interesting now. So, what did you it's interesting now. So, what did you it's interesting now. So, what did you learn? What how did it help you? All the learn? What how did it help you? All the learn? What how did it help you? All the youth soccer experience, 14 years of youth soccer experience, 14 years of youth soccer experience, 14 years of this career, right? What did you get out this career, right? What did you get out this career, right? What did you get out of it?

of it? of it? >> I mean, I I think it's mainly where I >> I mean, I I think it's mainly where I >> I mean, I I think it's mainly where I just got my mindset of how I do things just got my mindset of how I do things just got my mindset of how I do things of, you know, things are going to be of, you know, things are going to be of, you know, things are going to be hard. You work through it. You practice, hard. You work through it. You practice, hard. You work through it. You practice, you train, you just take the steps one you train, you just take the steps one you train, you just take the steps one by one of what you want to learn, what by one of what you want to learn, what by one of what you want to learn, what you want to do, and you just keep doing you want to do, and you just keep doing you want to do, and you just keep doing it. I mean it's kind of my way of doing it. I mean it's kind of my way of doing it. I mean it's kind of my way of doing you know my motto just take one step at you know my motto just take one step at you know my motto just take one step at a time keep moving forward you know a time keep moving forward you know a time keep moving forward you know that's all you can do you don't back that's all you can do you don't back that's all you can do you don't back down you don't shy away you know if down you don't shy away you know if down you don't shy away you know if there's a challenge that you know you're there's a challenge that you know you're there's a challenge that you know you're not oh I don't know if you can do it not oh I don't know if you can do it not oh I don't know if you can do it just take it do it if it doesn't work just take it do it if it doesn't work just take it do it if it doesn't work out okay you know understandable but hey out okay you know understandable but hey out okay you know understandable but hey if it does work out you're shining now if it does work out you're shining now if it does work out you're shining now like you you've got an experience that like you you've got an experience that like you you've got an experience that most other people don't have. most other people don't have. most other people don't have. >> Exactly. I mean, you got some great >> Exactly. I mean, you got some great >> Exactly. I mean, you got some great experiences out of that. That was a lot experiences out of that. That was a lot experiences out of that. That was a lot of fun to watch. So, of fun to watch. So, of fun to watch. So, now we got to deal with you an adult. now we got to deal with you an adult. now we got to deal with you an adult. You're going to be You think at some You're going to be You think at some You're going to be You think at some point you're going to have kids and point you're going to have kids and point you're going to have kids and you're going to be doing the soccer you're going to be doing the soccer you're going to be doing the soccer coach thing?

coach thing? coach thing? >> I don't I mean, >> I don't I mean, >> I don't I mean, >> I'm dying to see that. >> I'm dying to see that. >> I'm dying to see that. >> I think that's going to be fantastic. >> I think that's going to be fantastic. >> I think that's going to be fantastic. [laughter] You know, it really if they [laughter] You know, it really if they [laughter] You know, it really if they really want to play at at a at that really want to play at at a at that really want to play at at a at that level, you know, where I'm allowed to level, you know, where I'm allowed to level, you know, where I'm allowed to coach him, maybe maybe I wouldn't say coach him, maybe maybe I wouldn't say coach him, maybe maybe I wouldn't say no. no. no. >> Yeah. Just don't turn to granddad and be >> Yeah. Just don't turn to granddad and be >> Yeah. Just don't turn to granddad and be like, "Hey, he can co. No, I just want like, "Hey, he can co. No, I just want like, "Hey, he can co. No, I just want to watch. I want to be the one to buy to watch. I want to be the one to buy to watch. I want to be the one to buy ice cream afterwards." Like, don't ice cream afterwards." Like, don't ice cream afterwards." Like, don't listen to coach. He's got no idea. Let's listen to coach. He's got no idea. Let's listen to coach. He's got no idea. Let's go eat a burger. Yeah. Yeah. That'll be go eat a burger. Yeah. Yeah. That'll be go eat a burger. Yeah. Yeah. That'll be my role now. So cool. Thank you for my role now. So cool. Thank you for my role now. So cool. Thank you for sharing all that. um youth soccer sharing all that. um youth soccer sharing all that. um youth soccer experience, right? And and what it means experience, right? And and what it means experience, right? And and what it means to a lot of these players. Um what it to a lot of these players. Um what it to a lot of these players. Um what it develops. Some players go on to college. develops. Some players go on to college. develops. Some players go on to college. Some of your friends did play in Some of your friends did play in Some of your friends did play in college. I know one of the gentlemen college. I know one of the gentlemen college. I know one of the gentlemen with us, Tristan, ended up going with us, Tristan, ended up going with us, Tristan, ended up going division three. He chilled and enjoyed division three. He chilled and enjoyed division three. He chilled and enjoyed it. it. it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh Luke ended up going and playing with >> Uh Luke ended up going and playing with >> Uh Luke ended up going and playing with the Ruse out in Brian College Station the Ruse out in Brian College Station the Ruse out in Brian College Station somewhere out there. somewhere out there. somewhere out there. >> Um but then the rest of you guys after >> Um but then the rest of you guys after >> Um but then the rest of you guys after that senior year followed your own path.

that senior year followed your own path. that senior year followed your own path. Most of us, you know, we most of us went Most of us, you know, we most of us went Most of us, you know, we most of us went to college, you know, went to school to college, you know, went to school to college, you know, went to school after, but we chose to just do our after, but we chose to just do our after, but we chose to just do our education, focus on a career, focus on a education, focus on a career, focus on a education, focus on a career, focus on a job, you know, our future, what we were job, you know, our future, what we were job, you know, our future, what we were going to do. You know, I think most of going to do. You know, I think most of going to do. You know, I think most of us kind of figured we love the sport, us kind of figured we love the sport, us kind of figured we love the sport, but we have other options. You know, to but we have other options. You know, to but we have other options. You know, to us, it was not our only option. And it us, it was not our only option. And it us, it was not our only option. And it wasn't a do or die situation, which I wasn't a do or die situation, which I wasn't a do or die situation, which I think is where me saying no didn't come think is where me saying no didn't come think is where me saying no didn't come necessarily as hard for me because I I necessarily as hard for me because I I necessarily as hard for me because I I figured I know that I can succeed in figured I know that I can succeed in figured I know that I can succeed in other things besides soccer. Even though other things besides soccer. Even though other things besides soccer. Even though I do love this sport, it's what I've I do love this sport, it's what I've I do love this sport, it's what I've committed most of my life to. But I committed most of my life to. But I committed most of my life to. But I think it does for me at least give me a think it does for me at least give me a think it does for me at least give me a a perspective on you know now when I a perspective on you know now when I a perspective on you know now when I watch games a higher level of knowledge watch games a higher level of knowledge watch games a higher level of knowledge to understand how the game is being to understand how the game is being to understand how the game is being played how it's moving you know not just played how it's moving you know not just played how it's moving you know not just someone scored a goal or they didn't someone scored a goal or they didn't someone scored a goal or they didn't score a goal so they're great or they're score a goal so they're great or they're score a goal so they're great or they're terrible you know it's how they move off terrible you know it's how they move off terrible you know it's how they move off the ball how is their touch how is their the ball how is their touch how is their the ball how is their touch how is their dribbling what is their movement like dribbling what is their movement like dribbling what is their movement like you know all of that I I understand that you know all of that I I understand that you know all of that I I understand that at that level more so than just people at that level more so than just people at that level more so than just people that watch. Right. Exactly. Um and that watch. Right. Exactly. Um and that watch. Right. Exactly. Um and that's that's the thing. I mean, I see that's that's the thing. I mean, I see that's that's the thing. I mean, I see it from one perspective. You've got a it from one perspective. You've got a it from one perspective. You've got a different one. U it it just I think that different one. U it it just I think that different one. U it it just I think that the game the game itself is interesting.

the game the game itself is interesting. the game the game itself is interesting. The deeper your understanding of it, I I The deeper your understanding of it, I I The deeper your understanding of it, I I the more flavor it brings out like you the more flavor it brings out like you the more flavor it brings out like you see different things where some people see different things where some people see different things where some people just see the surface level of it, get just see the surface level of it, get just see the surface level of it, get that smell in the pot going, "Oh, that that smell in the pot going, "Oh, that that smell in the pot going, "Oh, that smells good." But you know what's in it. smells good." But you know what's in it. smells good." But you know what's in it. you know, the the flavors that are you know, the the flavors that are you know, the the flavors that are coming out and all those little things coming out and all those little things coming out and all those little things that people don't recognize. Oh, that that people don't recognize. Oh, that that people don't recognize. Oh, that was a boring match. Are you kidding me? was a boring match. Are you kidding me? was a boring match. Are you kidding me? That was a chess match. OH MY GOSH, IT That was a chess match. OH MY GOSH, IT That was a chess match. OH MY GOSH, IT WAS. AND people going, how there were no WAS. AND people going, how there were no WAS. AND people going, how there were no goals? You don't understand, right? goals? You don't understand, right? goals? You don't understand, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, good. Well, glad to glad you had >> Um, good. Well, glad to glad you had >> Um, good. Well, glad to glad you had such a good experience. Uh, such a good experience. Uh, such a good experience. Uh, love to see what the rest of your life love to see what the rest of your life love to see what the rest of your life brings the next career since you spent brings the next career since you spent brings the next career since you spent 14 years. And again, [laughter] as a 14 years. And again, [laughter] as a 14 years. And again, [laughter] as a parent, if you're doing this right for parent, if you're doing this right for parent, if you're doing this right for your child, your child, your child, um, yeah, I'm with you. U, when they um, yeah, I'm with you. U, when they um, yeah, I'm with you. U, when they hang when they hang it up, it hits you. hang when they hang it up, it hits you. hang when they hang it up, it hits you. But at the same time, depends on what But at the same time, depends on what But at the same time, depends on what the goal is. Coach Jose from the Hawks the goal is. Coach Jose from the Hawks the goal is. Coach Jose from the Hawks always says it always depends on what always says it always depends on what always says it always depends on what the goal is. If you're just paying to the goal is. If you're just paying to the goal is. If you're just paying to play, have fun, even at the highest play, have fun, even at the highest play, have fun, even at the highest levels, there is no guarantee that they levels, there is no guarantee that they levels, there is no guarantee that they want to continue after that. None. You want to continue after that. None. You want to continue after that. None. You can try. You might end up with can try. You might end up with can try. You might end up with rebellious kids and all kinds of stuff, rebellious kids and all kinds of stuff, rebellious kids and all kinds of stuff, but there is no guarantee that they want but there is no guarantee that they want but there is no guarantee that they want to continue beyond that $80,000 or not, to continue beyond that $80,000 or not, to continue beyond that $80,000 or not, though. Well, thank you for joining us though. Well, thank you for joining us though. Well, thank you for joining us for episode 19. Thank you guys for for episode 19. Thank you guys for for episode 19. Thank you guys for joining us for episode 19. I think we joining us for episode 19. I think we joining us for episode 19. I think we had a lot of fun today.

had a lot of fun today. had a lot of fun today. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Right. Thank you for being here, guys. >> Right. Thank you for being here, guys. >> Right. Thank you for being here, guys. It's all we got for you today. So, join It's all we got for you today. So, join It's all we got for you today. So, join us next time, episode 20. That's going us next time, episode 20. That's going us next time, episode 20. That's going to be our big season closer. Uh got a to be our big season closer. Uh got a to be our big season closer. Uh got a lot of special guests. I think we even lot of special guests. I think we even lot of special guests. I think we even have the vice president, the president, have the vice president, the president, have the vice president, the president, and all kinds of people coming in. It's and all kinds of people coming in. It's and all kinds of people coming in. It's going to be a lot of fun. Just kidding. going to be a lot of fun. Just kidding. going to be a lot of fun. Just kidding. But join us next Friday. Uh we'll do our But join us next Friday. Uh we'll do our But join us next Friday. Uh we'll do our season uh ender here for Coach season uh ender here for Coach season uh ender here for Coach Unfiltered season 1, our landmark Unfiltered season 1, our landmark Unfiltered season 1, our landmark episode 20. It's going to be a blast. episode 20. It's going to be a blast. episode 20. It's going to be a blast. So, thank you for coming on, sir. So, thank you for coming on, sir. So, thank you for coming on, sir. >> Thank you for having me. >> Thank you for having me. >> Thank you for having me. >> Thank you for uh uh enjoying this show >> Thank you for uh uh enjoying this show >> Thank you for uh uh enjoying this show again with our special guest, Porter again with our special guest, Porter again with our special guest, Porter Hernandez. As always, Coach Art here. Hernandez. As always, Coach Art here. Hernandez. As always, Coach Art here. Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready? Let's go. See you. Let's go. See you. Let's go. See you. Nice, man. You have a good time there. Nice, man. You have a good time there. Nice, man. You have a good time there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's a lot of fun. Yeah. So, that's the >> It's a lot of fun. Yeah. So, that's the >> It's a lot of fun. Yeah. So, that's the show. That's what we do. Cool. Cool.