Futbol Takeover: E12 Women in Futbol

Hi everyone. Hi everyone. I'm Maria Duran, the owner um and I'm Maria Duran, the owner um and I'm Maria Duran, the owner um and founder of Duran Concepts and also the founder of Duran Concepts and also the founder of Duran Concepts and also the host of the football takeover. So, this host of the football takeover. So, this host of the football takeover. So, this is a show where we focus on the is a show where we focus on the is a show where we focus on the intersection of community of business, intersection of community of business, intersection of community of business, community, culture, and our favorite community, culture, and our favorite community, culture, and our favorite sport, football. So, remember that we sport, football. So, remember that we sport, football. So, remember that we are recording live here at the are recording live here at the are recording live here at the innovation studio in downtown uh thanks innovation studio in downtown uh thanks innovation studio in downtown uh thanks to our friends from Creattopia. So yeah, to our friends from Creattopia. So yeah, to our friends from Creattopia. So yeah, today's view is pretty pretty nice. Um, today's view is pretty pretty nice. Um, today's view is pretty pretty nice. Um, and remember that we are live on and remember that we are live on and remember that we are live on Instagram and Facebook and YouTube. So Instagram and Facebook and YouTube. So Instagram and Facebook and YouTube. So if you have comments, you can definitely if you have comments, you can definitely if you have comments, you can definitely share those with with us. Um, let me get share those with with us. Um, let me get share those with with us. Um, let me get in here so that I can also see what in here so that I can also see what in here so that I can also see what comments you guys have. But thank you so comments you guys have. But thank you so comments you guys have. But thank you so much for joining us. Um, I know I say much for joining us. Um, I know I say much for joining us. Um, I know I say this for every uh every show, but I am I this for every uh every show, but I am I this for every uh every show, but I am I think I'm like triple quadruple think I'm like triple quadruple think I'm like triple quadruple excited because uh today's show is going excited because uh today's show is going excited because uh today's show is going to focus on women in football and very to focus on women in football and very to focus on women in football and very specifically on one.

specifically on one. specifically on one. It's not every day that, you know, we It's not every day that, you know, we It's not every day that, you know, we get to have a football a football get to have a football a football get to have a football a football powerhouse in in studio and uh this is powerhouse in in studio and uh this is powerhouse in in studio and uh this is somebody that I have known for many somebody that I have known for many somebody that I have known for many years and um I'm just I'm very excited. years and um I'm just I'm very excited. years and um I'm just I'm very excited. So, I I wrote an entire I wrote an So, I I wrote an entire I wrote an So, I I wrote an entire I wrote an entire intro and I just I want I want to entire intro and I just I want I want to entire intro and I just I want I want to I want to keep it. I want to do it. So, I want to keep it. I want to do it. So, I want to keep it. I want to do it. So, yeah. Um Okay. So, I'm gonna I'm gonna yeah. Um Okay. So, I'm gonna I'm gonna yeah. Um Okay. So, I'm gonna I'm gonna I'm gonna go back. I'm gonna go back. I'm gonna go back. I'm gonna go back. I'm gonna go back. I'm gonna go back. Um, I've I've known our guest today Um, I've I've known our guest today Um, I've I've known our guest today since 2006. Um, she was leading the blue since 2006. Um, she was leading the blue since 2006. Um, she was leading the blue crew at the Dynamo. And, you know, I was crew at the Dynamo. And, you know, I was crew at the Dynamo. And, you know, I was I was very green. I was just stepping I was very green. I was just stepping I was very green. I was just stepping into the the sports industry, into this into the the sports industry, into this into the the sports industry, into this world of football. And I swear that from world of football. And I swear that from world of football. And I swear that from the moment I met her, I was completely the moment I met her, I was completely the moment I met her, I was completely inspired. I was empowered and just in inspired. I was empowered and just in inspired. I was empowered and just in pure awe of of this this this woman pure awe of of this this this woman pure awe of of this this this woman because I was like, "Hold up a second. because I was like, "Hold up a second. because I was like, "Hold up a second. What? There's there's there's women that What? There's there's there's women that What? There's there's there's women that are that are doing all of this and um are that are doing all of this and um are that are doing all of this and um and it's it's one of those things where and it's it's one of those things where and it's it's one of those things where you meet somebody that has so much you meet somebody that has so much you meet somebody that has so much passion for for the game, for what passion for for the game, for what passion for for the game, for what they're doing, and you're just like, they're doing, and you're just like, they're doing, and you're just like, man, all right." and it just it radiates man, all right." and it just it radiates man, all right." and it just it radiates but then you also like it it it it it but then you also like it it it it it but then you also like it it it it it entraps you right um and and I will say entraps you right um and and I will say entraps you right um and and I will say that um she has been doing amazing that um she has been doing amazing that um she has been doing amazing things and really like creating things and really like creating things and really like creating opportunities and um really uplifting

opportunities and um really uplifting opportunities and um really uplifting the game and especially the women's game the game and especially the women's game the game and especially the women's game and it's not only here in the city but I and it's not only here in the city but I and it's not only here in the city but I mean everywhere internationally I mean mean everywhere internationally I mean mean everywhere internationally I mean that that that is that is who this that that that is that is who this that that that is that is who this person is right? Um she went from person is right? Um she went from person is right? Um she went from leading the the Houston Women's Soccer leading the the Houston Women's Soccer leading the the Houston Women's Soccer Association um or HWSA, right, to Association um or HWSA, right, to Association um or HWSA, right, to becoming one of the most trusted becoming one of the most trusted becoming one of the most trusted researchers and storytellers in the researchers and storytellers in the researchers and storytellers in the sport. she has taken um so her work has sport. she has taken um so her work has sport. she has taken um so her work has taken her from Houston to some of the taken her from Houston to some of the taken her from Houston to some of the biggest stages um of soccer in the world biggest stages um of soccer in the world biggest stages um of soccer in the world and um and she's just contributed to and um and she's just contributed to and um and she's just contributed to major broadcasts and there's even major broadcasts and there's even major broadcasts and there's even stories that like her name has been um stories that like her name has been um stories that like her name has been um how do you say it has has been on uh on how do you say it has has been on uh on how do you say it has has been on uh on screens people talking about her because screens people talking about her because screens people talking about her because of the what she brings to to the table of the what she brings to to the table of the what she brings to to the table right and it's just incredible. And I I right and it's just incredible. And I I right and it's just incredible. And I I do want to talk about that one because do want to talk about that one because do want to talk about that one because um I I I was doing research last night um I I I was doing research last night um I I I was doing research last night and I was like, "Wait a second, what? I and I was like, "Wait a second, what? I and I was like, "Wait a second, what? I didn't know this. I didn't know this."

didn't know this. I didn't know this." didn't know this. I didn't know this." Um so today she serves as information Um so today she serves as information Um so today she serves as information director for the NWSL, and she really director for the NWSL, and she really director for the NWSL, and she really continues to shape how the women's game continues to shape how the women's game continues to shape how the women's game is documented, is understood, and is is documented, is understood, and is is documented, is understood, and is celebrated. So I've had the privilege of celebrated. So I've had the privilege of celebrated. So I've had the privilege of watching firsthand um what her journey watching firsthand um what her journey watching firsthand um what her journey has been since I met her. And I mean, has been since I met her. And I mean, has been since I met her. And I mean, it's it's one of those journeys that I it's it's one of those journeys that I it's it's one of those journeys that I can just say continues to grow. and um can just say continues to grow. and um can just say continues to grow. and um and and I know that what's to come is and and I know that what's to come is and and I know that what's to come is even bigger and more amazing and um I'm even bigger and more amazing and um I'm even bigger and more amazing and um I'm just I'm really excited to have her here just I'm really excited to have her here just I'm really excited to have her here because there's a lot of things that we because there's a lot of things that we because there's a lot of things that we need to talk about. So, Jen Cooper, need to talk about. So, Jen Cooper, need to talk about. So, Jen Cooper, welcome to the show. welcome to the show. welcome to the show. >> That was an amazing intro and and I >> That was an amazing intro and and I >> That was an amazing intro and and I think the title you're looking for is think the title you're looking for is think the title you're looking for is footballista. footballista. footballista. >> Footballista. >> Footballista. >> Footballista. >> Footballista. Oh my gosh. Yeah. Um, and >> Footballista. Oh my gosh. Yeah. Um, and >> Footballista. Oh my gosh. Yeah. Um, and I love I love I love being able to get a glimpse of my being able to get a glimpse of my being able to get a glimpse of my journey through your eyes because 2006, journey through your eyes because 2006, journey through your eyes because 2006, at that point I was 12 years into my at that point I was 12 years into my at that point I was 12 years into my continuing soccer journey and now it's continuing soccer journey and now it's continuing soccer journey and now it's been, been, been, >> you know, 32 plus, which is crazy. Um, >> you know, 32 plus, which is crazy. Um, >> you know, 32 plus, which is crazy. Um, but it's it's so neat to hear it from but it's it's so neat to hear it from but it's it's so neat to hear it from from someone else's perspective.

from someone else's perspective. from someone else's perspective. >> Well, you're a badass. >> Well, you're a badass. >> Well, you're a badass. >> That's all I have to say. I was once >> That's all I have to say. I was once >> That's all I have to say. I was once told I was the OG of women's soccer and told I was the OG of women's soccer and told I was the OG of women's soccer and I stupidly had to say what's I stupidly had to say what's I stupidly had to say what's >> OG and now I know what, you know, OG is. >> OG and now I know what, you know, OG is. >> OG and now I know what, you know, OG is. Um, but but I think that's I think Um, but but I think that's I think Um, but but I think that's I think that's the title I like the most is the that's the title I like the most is the that's the title I like the most is the OG. OG. OG. >> The OG. All right, then you're the OG. >> The OG. All right, then you're the OG. >> The OG. All right, then you're the OG. Jen Cooper is the ultimate OG. And Jen Cooper is the ultimate OG. And Jen Cooper is the ultimate OG. And seriously, I'm just I'm just excited to seriously, I'm just I'm just excited to seriously, I'm just I'm just excited to have you here because it was funny how have you here because it was funny how have you here because it was funny how um as I'm reading different articles um as I'm reading different articles um as I'm reading different articles last night and stuff, I was just like, last night and stuff, I was just like, last night and stuff, I was just like, "Wait, I didn't know this." "Wait, I didn't know this." "Wait, I didn't know this." >> I love that that as long as you know me >> I love that that as long as you know me >> I love that that as long as you know me that there's stuff you you didn't know that there's stuff you you didn't know that there's stuff you you didn't know cuz our our paths cross and move away cuz our our paths cross and move away cuz our our paths cross and move away and come back and move away, you're and come back and move away, you're and come back and move away, you're like, "Oh, I didn't know that." like, "Oh, I didn't know that." like, "Oh, I didn't know that." >> Yeah. I swear. I feel like every time >> Yeah. I swear. I feel like every time >> Yeah. I swear. I feel like every time that we hang out, it's like, "Oh, wait. that we hang out, it's like, "Oh, wait. that we hang out, it's like, "Oh, wait. Something new." What? Something new." What? Something new." What? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's like new, how do they say? like new >> It's like new, how do they say? like new >> It's like new, how do they say? like new door unlocked or whatever. door unlocked or whatever. door unlocked or whatever. >> Yeah. Yeah. Achievement unlocked. >> Yeah. Yeah. Achievement unlocked. >> Yeah. Yeah. Achievement unlocked. >> Oh man. Well, okay. So, we need to start >> Oh man. Well, okay. So, we need to start >> Oh man. Well, okay. So, we need to start from the beginning, right? Because um I from the beginning, right? Because um I from the beginning, right? Because um I mean it it's funny. So, this show um how mean it it's funny. So, this show um how mean it it's funny. So, this show um how it started had to do with World Cup and it started had to do with World Cup and it started had to do with World Cup and you know like just everything that was you know like just everything that was you know like just everything that was going on in the city and then here I going on in the city and then here I going on in the city and then here I come to find out that your journey had come to find out that your journey had come to find out that your journey had something similar.

something similar. something similar. >> Yes. Yes. My my soccer origin story is >> Yes. Yes. My my soccer origin story is >> Yes. Yes. My my soccer origin story is very much rooted in in World Cup soccer. very much rooted in in World Cup soccer. very much rooted in in World Cup soccer. Um, so to go way way back, born in Um, so to go way way back, born in Um, so to go way way back, born in Houston, always lived in Houston, grew Houston, always lived in Houston, grew Houston, always lived in Houston, grew up as a swimmer and a tennis player up as a swimmer and a tennis player up as a swimmer and a tennis player because that's what my parents did. because that's what my parents did. because that's what my parents did. >> I knew maybe a couple of people in >> I knew maybe a couple of people in >> I knew maybe a couple of people in junior high in high school that played junior high in high school that played junior high in high school that played club soccer. Um, clearly I must have club soccer. Um, clearly I must have club soccer. Um, clearly I must have been aware of some soccer because I had been aware of some soccer because I had been aware of some soccer because I had a stuffed animal named Ple, which which a stuffed animal named Ple, which which a stuffed animal named Ple, which which kind of overlaps with the time that Ple kind of overlaps with the time that Ple kind of overlaps with the time that Ple came to play in the Astradome, right? came to play in the Astradome, right? came to play in the Astradome, right? But I was I did not grow up in a soccer But I was I did not grow up in a soccer But I was I did not grow up in a soccer household aware aware of soccer. Um, at household aware aware of soccer. Um, at household aware aware of soccer. Um, at at college and and I went to Rice, there at college and and I went to Rice, there at college and and I went to Rice, there were a lot of people that were into were a lot of people that were into were a lot of people that were into soccer. And so right after I got out of soccer. And so right after I got out of soccer. And so right after I got out of school, some friends of mine were school, some friends of mine were school, some friends of mine were starting a women's team in HWSA and like starting a women's team in HWSA and like starting a women's team in HWSA and like like, okay, whatever, that'll be social. like, okay, whatever, that'll be social. like, okay, whatever, that'll be social. And I hated it. I absolutely hated it. I And I hated it. I absolutely hated it. I And I hated it. I absolutely hated it. I had no speed. I didn't know how to had no speed. I didn't know how to had no speed. I didn't know how to dribble. I had never played the game dribble. I had never played the game dribble. I had never played the game before. before. before. >> Um, it's not fun at that age to be the >> Um, it's not fun at that age to be the >> Um, it's not fun at that age to be the worst at something. Um but then worst at something. Um but then worst at something. Um but then the 1994 World Cup happened and as we the 1994 World Cup happened and as we the 1994 World Cup happened and as we all know that's the first one that was all know that's the first one that was all know that's the first one that was held in the US held in the US held in the US >> and you know revolutionary for this >> and you know revolutionary for this >> and you know revolutionary for this country in so many ways and that was the country in so many ways and that was the country in so many ways and that was the first time that I had seen really high first time that I had seen really high first time that I had seen really high level soccer on TV level soccer on TV level soccer on TV >> and I was mesmerized and oh my god I >> and I was mesmerized and oh my god I >> and I was mesmerized and oh my god I fell in love with the Swedish fell in love with the Swedish fell in love with the Swedish goalkeeper. Sweden made it all the way goalkeeper. Sweden made it all the way goalkeeper. Sweden made it all the way to the semi-finals that year and our

to the semi-finals that year and our to the semi-finals that year and our goalkeeper for my HSA team was heading goalkeeper for my HSA team was heading goalkeeper for my HSA team was heading off to grad school and I was like, "Hey, off to grad school and I was like, "Hey, off to grad school and I was like, "Hey, I'll be goalkeeper because because I I'll be goalkeeper because because I I'll be goalkeeper because because I want to be that. I want to be Thomas want to be that. I want to be Thomas want to be that. I want to be Thomas Rebelli." Rebelli." Rebelli." >> And that changed everything. I fell in >> And that changed everything. I fell in >> And that changed everything. I fell in love with the game. I became the first love with the game. I became the first love with the game. I became the first person at practice, the first person at person at practice, the first person at person at practice, the first person at games. I started to be our team rep. games. I started to be our team rep. games. I started to be our team rep. Started to go to the league meetings. I Started to go to the league meetings. I Started to go to the league meetings. I volunteered to run league tournament. I volunteered to run league tournament. I volunteered to run league tournament. I became league vice president. I became became league vice president. I became became league vice president. I became league president. I just league president. I just league president. I just >> went all all in. >> went all all in. >> went all all in. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And all of this coincides with >> And all of this coincides with >> And all of this coincides with >> hey the 1999 women's World Cup. >> hey the 1999 women's World Cup. >> hey the 1999 women's World Cup. >> Oh wow. >> Oh wow. >> Oh wow. >> So seeing the huge momentum shift with >> So seeing the huge momentum shift with >> So seeing the huge momentum shift with that success in not just for the US that success in not just for the US that success in not just for the US women but also for for the women's game, women but also for for the women's game, women but also for for the women's game, you know, and 90,000 at at the Rose you know, and 90,000 at at the Rose you know, and 90,000 at at the Rose Bowl. The Bowl. The Bowl. The >> the inquiries we started to get HSA were >> the inquiries we started to get HSA were >> the inquiries we started to get HSA were amazing. like I'm over 30. How do I want amazing. like I'm over 30. How do I want amazing. like I'm over 30. How do I want to start playing? I've never played to start playing? I've never played to start playing? I've never played before. What do I do? Right? So, it's before. What do I do? Right? So, it's before. What do I do? Right? So, it's just seeing that um and and this has just seeing that um and and this has just seeing that um and and this has been a thing for me since the beginning.

been a thing for me since the beginning. been a thing for me since the beginning. It's like could we stop focusing on the It's like could we stop focusing on the It's like could we stop focusing on the 10-year-old girls 10-year-old girls 10-year-old girls >> because the what this has done for adult >> because the what this has done for adult >> because the what this has done for adult women and those 10-year-old girls when women and those 10-year-old girls when women and those 10-year-old girls when they grow up, they'll be adult women they grow up, they'll be adult women they grow up, they'll be adult women much longer than they will be girls much longer than they will be girls much longer than they will be girls >> is it's it's much more of an impact. I I >> is it's it's much more of an impact. I I >> is it's it's much more of an impact. I I remember standing in line for an remember standing in line for an remember standing in line for an autograph at a women's pro game way back autograph at a women's pro game way back autograph at a women's pro game way back in the day and like this little girl's in the day and like this little girl's in the day and like this little girl's trying to like edge me out and I'm like trying to like edge me out and I'm like trying to like edge me out and I'm like no no no no no I'm here I'm here for the no no no no no I'm here I'm here for the no no no no no I'm here I'm here for the sar. Um but but anyway that that time sar. Um but but anyway that that time sar. Um but but anyway that that time was also like uh my alma mater was also like uh my alma mater was also like uh my alma mater >> Rice added women's soccer. There were a >> Rice added women's soccer. There were a >> Rice added women's soccer. There were a lot of colleges starting to add women's lot of colleges starting to add women's lot of colleges starting to add women's soccer. Uh added in 98. soccer. Uh added in 98. soccer. Uh added in 98. >> Um Sam Houston State I think in 2003. >> Um Sam Houston State I think in 2003. >> Um Sam Houston State I think in 2003. you know, it was it was like this you know, it was it was like this you know, it was it was like this explosion, explosion, explosion, >> right? Um, and in all of that, as I'm >> right? Um, and in all of that, as I'm >> right? Um, and in all of that, as I'm obsessively watching the world's first obsessively watching the world's first obsessively watching the world's first women's professional soccer league, women's professional soccer league, women's professional soccer league, which was the WSA, which ran three which was the WSA, which ran three which was the WSA, which ran three seasons in this country, seasons in this country, seasons in this country, >> their website had a little note saying, >> their website had a little note saying, >> their website had a little note saying, "Did you know your community can host a "Did you know your community can host a "Did you know your community can host a WSA game?"

WSA game?" WSA game?" >> What? >> What? >> What? >> And I'm like, "How do what who do I >> And I'm like, "How do what who do I >> And I'm like, "How do what who do I what?" what?" what?" >> Oh my gosh. No, I can I can I can see >> Oh my gosh. No, I can I can I can see >> Oh my gosh. No, I can I can I can see you. I can I can imagine that just like you. I can I can imagine that just like you. I can I can imagine that just like >> and and this was this was right after >> and and this was this was right after >> and and this was this was right after the first season of Rice Varsity Soccer the first season of Rice Varsity Soccer the first season of Rice Varsity Soccer where it's this cute little 5,000 where it's this cute little 5,000 where it's this cute little 5,000 seater, this beautiful field. You know, seater, this beautiful field. You know, seater, this beautiful field. You know, >> I worked on campus at the time and I'm >> I worked on campus at the time and I'm >> I worked on campus at the time and I'm like, I can totally see this happening like, I can totally see this happening like, I can totally see this happening here. How do I make this happen? And I here. How do I make this happen? And I here. How do I make this happen? And I spent the bulk of 2002 working on that. spent the bulk of 2002 working on that. spent the bulk of 2002 working on that. But the payoff was October 2002, I got But the payoff was October 2002, I got But the payoff was October 2002, I got to host Miaam versus Brianna Scurry at to host Miaam versus Brianna Scurry at to host Miaam versus Brianna Scurry at my alma mater in the rain, but still in my alma mater in the rain, but still in my alma mater in the rain, but still in front of 5,000 people. And it just front of 5,000 people. And it just front of 5,000 people. And it just really wet my appetite for, you know, I really wet my appetite for, you know, I really wet my appetite for, you know, I didn't know this was something you could didn't know this was something you could didn't know this was something you could work in. like just it it tapped into all work in. like just it it tapped into all work in. like just it it tapped into all of my different passions whether it was of my different passions whether it was of my different passions whether it was organizing, archiving, soccer, organizing, archiving, soccer, organizing, archiving, soccer, >> volunteer management, like it was just >> volunteer management, like it was just >> volunteer management, like it was just >> everything. It it pulled in everything.

>> everything. It it pulled in everything. >> everything. It it pulled in everything. And because of that, I met a lot of And because of that, I met a lot of And because of that, I met a lot of people in the league. I started to meet people in the league. I started to meet people in the league. I started to meet people in US soccer. I met Houston people in US soccer. I met Houston people in US soccer. I met Houston sports leaders like Oliver Luck, who was sports leaders like Oliver Luck, who was sports leaders like Oliver Luck, who was president of the the sports authority at president of the the sports authority at president of the the sports authority at the time. the time. the time. So because of that, as we started to see So because of that, as we started to see So because of that, as we started to see more and more soccer um in this in this more and more soccer um in this in this more and more soccer um in this in this town, and a lot of it came because of town, and a lot of it came because of town, and a lot of it came because of the Texans and Reliant, now NRG Stadium, the Texans and Reliant, now NRG Stadium, the Texans and Reliant, now NRG Stadium, it was built to be big enough for an it was built to be big enough for an it was built to be big enough for an international soccer match. So, US international soccer match. So, US international soccer match. So, US versus Mexico 2003, that was huge. And I versus Mexico 2003, that was huge. And I versus Mexico 2003, that was huge. And I got to be a part of that. And I started got to be a part of that. And I started got to be a part of that. And I started being involved with whenever they had being involved with whenever they had being involved with whenever they had events, whether it was the Gold Cup or events, whether it was the Gold Cup or events, whether it was the Gold Cup or Interliga or when we had when we had Interliga or when we had when we had Interliga or when we had when we had when we had Everton come for preeason. when we had Everton come for preeason. when we had Everton come for preeason. Oh my god, that was amazing. Um, so that Oh my god, that was amazing. Um, so that Oh my god, that was amazing. Um, so that when the inevitable happened, which of when the inevitable happened, which of when the inevitable happened, which of course we didn't know this was course we didn't know this was course we didn't know this was inevitable, but now looking back, um, inevitable, but now looking back, um, inevitable, but now looking back, um, >> it was the the dynamo getting well San >> it was the the dynamo getting well San >> it was the the dynamo getting well San Jose earthquakes getting moved from San Jose earthquakes getting moved from San Jose earthquakes getting moved from San Jose to Houston. I remember getting the Jose to Houston. I remember getting the Jose to Houston. I remember getting the call from Oliver Luck saying, "It's call from Oliver Luck saying, "It's call from Oliver Luck saying, "It's happening. Uh, can you get me 50 happening. Uh, can you get me 50 happening. Uh, can you get me 50 volunteers to show up at a press volunteers to show up at a press volunteers to show up at a press conference in two days, but but they conference in two days, but but they conference in two days, but but they can't speak about it because it because can't speak about it because it because can't speak about it because it because the news can't break, but I want it to the news can't break, but I want it to the news can't break, but I want it to look good on TV so you can get some look good on TV so you can get some look good on TV so you can get some volunteers."

volunteers." volunteers." >> Oh, I guess. And I'm like, >> Oh, I guess. And I'm like, >> Oh, I guess. And I'm like, >> that is so O. >> that is so O. >> that is so O. >> Yes. Yes. Um, and that's how I kind of >> Yes. Yes. Um, and that's how I kind of >> Yes. Yes. Um, and that's how I kind of fell into being the volunteer manager fell into being the volunteer manager fell into being the volunteer manager for for the Dynamo for the first decade. for for the Dynamo for the first decade. for for the Dynamo for the first decade. >> And that's how we met. >> And that's how we met. >> And that's how we met. >> Yeah. And and and that's that's where we >> Yeah. And and and that's that's where we >> Yeah. And and and that's that's where we met. And it's and it's funny how it's it met. And it's and it's funny how it's it met. And it's and it's funny how it's it went from men's soccer to women's soccer went from men's soccer to women's soccer went from men's soccer to women's soccer >> back to men's soccer. >> back to men's soccer. >> back to men's soccer. >> Yeah. And I never even thought that we'd >> Yeah. And I never even thought that we'd >> Yeah. And I never even thought that we'd ever had a ch have a chance at having a ever had a ch have a chance at having a ever had a ch have a chance at having a women's team, but you know, almost a women's team, but you know, almost a women's team, but you know, almost a decade later, the same thing happened in decade later, the same thing happened in decade later, the same thing happened in December. It's like, oh, December. It's like, oh, December. It's like, oh, >> guess what, guys? >> guess what, guys? >> guess what, guys? >> We're adding a team. Um, and you know, >> We're adding a team. Um, and you know, >> We're adding a team. Um, and you know, and the Dash became the first ever and the Dash became the first ever and the Dash became the first ever expansion team in NSL history. And I got expansion team in NSL history. And I got expansion team in NSL history. And I got to call, I was analyst for the first to call, I was analyst for the first to call, I was analyst for the first three seasons alongside Sebastian three seasons alongside Sebastian three seasons alongside Sebastian Salazar and Matt Peterson. It was so Salazar and Matt Peterson. It was so Salazar and Matt Peterson. It was so much fun, much fun, much fun, >> you know, doing those games. And that >> you know, doing those games. And that >> you know, doing those games. And that was kind of the beginning of my was kind of the beginning of my was kind of the beginning of my >> really getting into archiving the data >> really getting into archiving the data >> really getting into archiving the data for women's professional soccer and for women's professional soccer and for women's professional soccer and collating it into an almanac that fans collating it into an almanac that fans collating it into an almanac that fans could buy and broadcasters could could could buy and broadcasters could could could buy and broadcasters could could use as a resource.

use as a resource. use as a resource. >> But hold on, cuz I remember >> But hold on, cuz I remember >> But hold on, cuz I remember >> I know there's so many different >> I know there's so many different >> I know there's so many different tentacles to this to this story. tentacles to this to this story. tentacles to this to this story. >> But I remember in 2006, you know, Yes. >> But I remember in 2006, you know, Yes. >> But I remember in 2006, you know, Yes. You were you were with the blue crew, You were you were with the blue crew, You were you were with the blue crew, but I mean you were also I think you but I mean you were also I think you but I mean you were also I think you were already doing an almanac or you were already doing an almanac or you were already doing an almanac or you already like publishing already like publishing already like publishing >> uh not no not publishing an almanac but >> uh not no not publishing an almanac but >> uh not no not publishing an almanac but I was like I had was just tracking on my I was like I had was just tracking on my I was like I had was just tracking on my website a lot of info. website a lot of info. website a lot of info. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And that's when I was still doing my >> And that's when I was still doing my >> And that's when I was still doing my weekly email newsletter. So it was weekly email newsletter. So it was weekly email newsletter. So it was called keeperotes, right? So, I came up called keeperotes, right? So, I came up called keeperotes, right? So, I came up with that name in 2002 and with that name in 2002 and with that name in 2002 and I would weekly send out like these are I would weekly send out like these are I would weekly send out like these are the games are on TV or here's a Houston the games are on TV or here's a Houston the games are on TV or here's a Houston kid that got drafted in MLS or these kid that got drafted in MLS or these kid that got drafted in MLS or these tickets are now on sale or the US women tickets are now on sale or the US women tickets are now on sale or the US women are coming to Houston and here's how you are coming to Houston and here's how you are coming to Houston and here's how you get ticket you know all of the new get ticket you know all of the new get ticket you know all of the new >> I still I still get it by the way. >> I still I still get it by the way. >> I still I still get it by the way. >> Yeah. No. And I mean, seriously, >> Yeah. No. And I mean, seriously, >> Yeah. No. And I mean, seriously, >> well, it's much scaled down from what it >> well, it's much scaled down from what it >> well, it's much scaled down from what it from what it used to be, but and it's from what it used to be, but and it's from what it used to be, but and it's it's much more women focused now because it's much more women focused now because it's much more women focused now because what's what's funny, what what's great what's what's funny, what what's great what's what's funny, what what's great is that the news sources for that is that the news sources for that is that the news sources for that information have just grown information have just grown information have just grown exponentially where when I started doing exponentially where when I started doing exponentially where when I started doing that, I was doing that because I that, I was doing that because I that, I was doing that because I couldn't find that information in one couldn't find that information in one couldn't find that information in one place. So, I was like, I know there's place. So, I was like, I know there's place. So, I was like, I know there's other people that have these same other people that have these same other people that have these same >> questions. Well, I remember um for on >> questions. Well, I remember um for on >> questions. Well, I remember um for on every game day you had like trivia and every game day you had like trivia and every game day you had like trivia and you had like all this you had like all this you had like all this >> See, that's probably why you're thinking >> See, that's probably why you're thinking >> See, that's probably why you're thinking that I was archiving stuff is because that I was archiving stuff is because that I was archiving stuff is because Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. >> Well, and that was something so fun to >> Well, and that was something so fun to >> Well, and that was something so fun to me because I mean here I was coming in me because I mean here I was coming in me because I mean here I was coming in right again completely new to the sports right again completely new to the sports right again completely new to the sports world. Yes, I'm a fan of soccer, but world. Yes, I'm a fan of soccer, but world. Yes, I'm a fan of soccer, but it's very different when you're actually it's very different when you're actually it's very different when you're actually working in it and and you're seeing it working in it and and you're seeing it working in it and and you're seeing it every day and you're seeing the other every day and you're seeing the other every day and you're seeing the other side of it side of it side of it >> and it's easy to lose connection to the >> and it's easy to lose connection to the >> and it's easy to lose connection to the fun side. fun side. fun side. >> It is. It is. But you made it fun >> It is. It is. But you made it fun >> It is. It is. But you made it fun because every single game there was all because every single game there was all because every single game there was all these trivia questions and everybody was these trivia questions and everybody was these trivia questions and everybody was always trying to like guess and like always trying to like guess and like always trying to like guess and like wait hold on who what player was it that wait hold on who what player was it that wait hold on who what player was it that did that did that did that >> or we would also do the guessing game of >> or we would also do the guessing game of >> or we would also do the guessing game of you know guess who's going to score the you know guess who's going to score the you know guess who's going to score the first goal of this game first goal of this game first goal of this game >> and we would keep a log and if you >> and we would keep a log and if you >> and we would keep a log and if you guessed right you get to come and and guessed right you get to come and and guessed right you get to come and and take a prize and so it was so fun the take a prize and so it was so fun the take a prize and so it was so fun the second a goal was scored like suddenly second a goal was scored like suddenly second a goal was scored like suddenly there'd be 10 people running back to the there'd be 10 people running back to the there'd be 10 people running back to the volunteer station I guessed it right I volunteer station I guessed it right I volunteer station I guessed it right I guessed it right yeah so keeping people guessed it right yeah so keeping people guessed it right yeah so keeping people engaged engaged engaged in the game. And for me, you know, in the game. And for me, you know, in the game. And for me, you know, trivia and archiving all that trivia and archiving all that trivia and archiving all that information has always been been about information has always been been about information has always been been about the storytelling. Um, I had someone say, the storytelling. Um, I had someone say, the storytelling. Um, I had someone say, it's like, why, you know, I think you're it's like, why, you know, I think you're it's like, why, you know, I think you're using the trivia to make people, you using the trivia to make people, you using the trivia to make people, you know, feel less smart. Like, know, feel less smart. Like, know, feel less smart. Like, >> that's not my intention. My intention is >> that's not my intention. My intention is >> that's not my intention. My intention is >> here's this fascinating note that I >> here's this fascinating note that I >> here's this fascinating note that I found. I think you'll find it found. I think you'll find it found. I think you'll find it fascinating, too. or oh my god I can't fascinating, too. or oh my god I can't fascinating, too. or oh my god I can't believe that th this is the first time believe that th this is the first time believe that th this is the first time this has happened or this hasn't this has happened or this hasn't this has happened or this hasn't happened since happened since happened since >> you know and the little tidbits that >> you know and the little tidbits that >> you know and the little tidbits that come with stories like come with stories like come with stories like >> 2018 US woman playing Mexico here at the >> 2018 US woman playing Mexico here at the >> 2018 US woman playing Mexico here at the Dynamo Stadium Carly Lloyd she had just Dynamo Stadium Carly Lloyd she had just Dynamo Stadium Carly Lloyd she had just left playing for the Dash. She had gone left playing for the Dash. She had gone left playing for the Dash. She had gone back to her hometown club. Um she scores

back to her hometown club. Um she scores back to her hometown club. Um she scores her hundth international goal, her hundth international goal, her hundth international goal, >> right? And she said on TV, I love this. >> right? And she said on TV, I love this. >> right? And she said on TV, I love this. She goes, "Well, if I couldn't score She goes, "Well, if I couldn't score She goes, "Well, if I couldn't score this in New Jersey, I'm glad I got to this in New Jersey, I'm glad I got to this in New Jersey, I'm glad I got to score it in Houston." which is a really score it in Houston." which is a really score it in Houston." which is a really nice nod. nice nod. nice nod. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> From a player who doesn't always get >> From a player who doesn't always get >> From a player who doesn't always get credit for for for be for being nice, credit for for for be for being nice, credit for for for be for being nice, but it's it's like but it's it's like but it's it's like >> Houston meant something to her. And and >> Houston meant something to her. And and >> Houston meant something to her. And and I like that it really planted that I like that it really planted that I like that it really planted that moment in a time and a place. moment in a time and a place. moment in a time and a place. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know. >> You know. >> You know. >> Yeah. Wow. Oh my gosh. No. And that's >> Yeah. Wow. Oh my gosh. No. And that's >> Yeah. Wow. Oh my gosh. No. And that's why I say empowered because I do why I say empowered because I do why I say empowered because I do remember learning so much from you and I remember learning so much from you and I remember learning so much from you and I felt like, oh wait, now I have something felt like, oh wait, now I have something felt like, oh wait, now I have something that I can go and mention when I'm at that I can go and mention when I'm at that I can go and mention when I'm at events or I'm at this and like, hey, did events or I'm at this and like, hey, did events or I'm at this and like, hey, did you know this? you know this? you know this? Because it's so important. And and I Because it's so important. And and I Because it's so important. And and I think that was the the that was also think that was the the that was also think that was the the that was also such um such such a moment when I when I such um such such a moment when I when I such um such such a moment when I when I started seeing how you were archiving started seeing how you were archiving started seeing how you were archiving and all of the different publications and all of the different publications and all of the different publications and everything that you started doing and everything that you started doing and everything that you started doing because it really is important. That's because it really is important. That's because it really is important. That's that's how you you're capturing history. that's how you you're capturing history. that's how you you're capturing history. That's how um we're not losing history That's how um we're not losing history That's how um we're not losing history more than anything.

more than anything. more than anything. >> And it's so easy to let history slip >> And it's so easy to let history slip >> And it's so easy to let history slip away, especially when we think it's away, especially when we think it's away, especially when we think it's like, well, we we have the internet, we like, well, we we have the internet, we like, well, we we have the internet, we have all these things. It's like have all these things. It's like have all these things. It's like >> but >> but >> but in some ways that makes history more in some ways that makes history more in some ways that makes history more slippery. slippery. slippery. >> It's like you know website is constantly >> It's like you know website is constantly >> It's like you know website is constantly changing unless you have captured changing unless you have captured changing unless you have captured something into here is what it was in something into here is what it was in something into here is what it was in this time and place. Like I don't know this time and place. Like I don't know this time and place. Like I don't know if you've ever seen MLS's fact and if you've ever seen MLS's fact and if you've ever seen MLS's fact and record book. The FRB. Um it's it's record book. The FRB. Um it's it's record book. The FRB. Um it's it's amazing of just all the details it has amazing of just all the details it has amazing of just all the details it has of every playoff season and the leaders of every playoff season and the leaders of every playoff season and the leaders for every club in every category and for every club in every category and for every club in every category and just that it's just that it's just that it's and it's not here. It's listed on a and it's not here. It's listed on a and it's not here. It's listed on a website website website >> here. It's this book that you can print >> here. It's this book that you can print >> here. It's this book that you can print and it's a PDF that you can save because and it's a PDF that you can save because and it's a PDF that you can save because it's capturing a moment in time. And I it's capturing a moment in time. And I it's capturing a moment in time. And I think that's that's just so think that's that's just so think that's that's just so >> valuable. I still have the media guide >> valuable. I still have the media guide >> valuable. I still have the media guide books from those early years. books from those early years. books from those early years. >> Oh, me too. Yeah. >> Oh, me too. Yeah. >> Oh, me too. Yeah. >> Me, too. I I have Well, I got to I got >> Me, too. I I have Well, I got to I got >> Me, too. I I have Well, I got to I got to produce. I did the the production for to produce. I did the the production for to produce. I did the the production for >> 2007 through I think 2012. Um that was >> 2007 through I think 2012. Um that was >> 2007 through I think 2012. Um that was my original career was graphic design.

my original career was graphic design. my original career was graphic design. Um, yeah. So, I've I've I've kept all of Um, yeah. So, I've I've I've kept all of Um, yeah. So, I've I've I've kept all of those because it's just Yeah, you don't those because it's just Yeah, you don't those because it's just Yeah, you don't you don't see printed media guides much you don't see printed media guides much you don't see printed media guides much anymore. anymore. anymore. >> Yeah, you don't. You don't. And that's >> Yeah, you don't. You don't. And that's >> Yeah, you don't. You don't. And that's the thing, right? Those early days and the thing, right? Those early days and the thing, right? Those early days and we're seeing some of the pictures from we're seeing some of the pictures from we're seeing some of the pictures from Well, right now we're seeing the NWSL Well, right now we're seeing the NWSL Well, right now we're seeing the NWSL time, but yeah, time, but yeah, time, but yeah, >> those early days with the Dynamo, like >> those early days with the Dynamo, like >> those early days with the Dynamo, like what is a memory that that sticks with what is a memory that that sticks with what is a memory that that sticks with you um from that moment in time, you um from that moment in time, you um from that moment in time, especially Robertson? especially Robertson? especially Robertson? >> Oh, so many great Robertson Stadium >> Oh, so many great Robertson Stadium >> Oh, so many great Robertson Stadium memories. I mean, where else could you memories. I mean, where else could you memories. I mean, where else could you have an office that might have, you have an office that might have, you have an office that might have, you know, squirrel carcasses know, squirrel carcasses know, squirrel carcasses um or dogs threatening you or um um or dogs threatening you or um um or dogs threatening you or um >> torrential rain coming through >> torrential rain coming through >> torrential rain coming through >> or or ticket ops accidentally seats a >> or or ticket ops accidentally seats a >> or or ticket ops accidentally seats a visiting high school band right above visiting high school band right above visiting high school band right above our operation station so we can't talk our operation station so we can't talk our operation station so we can't talk to each other. I remember reaching out to each other. I remember reaching out to each other. I remember reaching out to Dennis on radio saying, "Dennis, what to Dennis on radio saying, "Dennis, what to Dennis on radio saying, "Dennis, what did you do to me?" Goes, "Oh my god, I'm did you do to me?" Goes, "Oh my god, I'm did you do to me?" Goes, "Oh my god, I'm so sorry." Um, but I love what I loved so sorry." Um, but I love what I loved so sorry." Um, but I love what I loved about Robertson was that it was about Robertson was that it was about Robertson was that it was surrounded by a huge parking lot, surrounded by a huge parking lot, surrounded by a huge parking lot, >> right? So, all of us could park >> right? So, all of us could park >> right? So, all of us could park somewhere in that big lot to get whether somewhere in that big lot to get whether somewhere in that big lot to get whether you were a player you were a player you were a player >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> ticket sales, opposing team, volunteer, >> ticket sales, opposing team, volunteer, >> ticket sales, opposing team, volunteer, referee, whatever. referee, whatever. referee, whatever. >> Yeah. Um, and postgame for those of us >> Yeah. Um, and postgame for those of us >> Yeah. Um, and postgame for those of us that were doing breakdown, you know, that were doing breakdown, you know, that were doing breakdown, you know, folding up all of the field seats or folding up all of the field seats or folding up all of the field seats or breaking down the uh postgame interview breaking down the uh postgame interview breaking down the uh postgame interview area or, you know, whatever it was, area or, you know, whatever it was, area or, you know, whatever it was, >> um, we could go hang out in the parking >> um, we could go hang out in the parking >> um, we could go hang out in the parking lot and just sit together and somebody lot and just sit together and somebody lot and just sit together and somebody have somebody have a cooler of beer and have somebody have a cooler of beer and have somebody have a cooler of beer and then we'd eventually see, you know, oh, then we'd eventually see, you know, oh, then we'd eventually see, you know, oh, here's the referees coming to say hi and here's the referees coming to say hi and here's the referees coming to say hi and then, you know, here's a couple of then, you know, here's a couple of then, you know, here's a couple of players walking by and, players walking by and, players walking by and, >> you know, then the uh police would drive >> you know, then the uh police would drive >> you know, then the uh police would drive by like, you guys all of age. like look by like, you guys all of age. like look by like, you guys all of age. like look at us, we're all of eight. We're all at us, we're all of eight. We're all at us, we're all of eight. We're all well past age. Um well past age. Um well past age. Um >> but it gave, you know, a camaraderie. >> but it gave, you know, a camaraderie. >> but it gave, you know, a camaraderie. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That broke down those those divisions >> That broke down those those divisions >> That broke down those those divisions which were very natural divisions of which were very natural divisions of which were very natural divisions of well, these are the players, right? well, these are the players, right? well, these are the players, right? >> And these are the coaches and this is >> And these are the coaches and this is >> And these are the coaches and this is the staff and this is the part-time the staff and this is the part-time the staff and this is the part-time staff. It broke down those those staff. It broke down those those staff. It broke down those those barriers where barriers where barriers where >> once uh Dynamo moved into its current >> once uh Dynamo moved into its current >> once uh Dynamo moved into its current stadium and this is this is a natural stadium and this is this is a natural stadium and this is this is a natural evolution as things get more evolution as things get more evolution as things get more professionalized. professionalized. professionalized. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And it's a great stadium but they don't >> And it's a great stadium but they don't >> And it's a great stadium but they don't own the parking lots around them. They own the parking lots around them. They own the parking lots around them. They just have their own little parking lot. just have their own little parking lot. just have their own little parking lot. So, you know, working there the first So, you know, working there the first So, you know, working there the first few years with that stadium. It's like few years with that stadium. It's like few years with that stadium. It's like it's it's it's >> it's never going to be the same, right? >> it's never going to be the same, right? >> it's never going to be the same, right? Like the volunteers won't meet the Like the volunteers won't meet the Like the volunteers won't meet the players the same way and that's you know players the same way and that's you know players the same way and that's you know that's just it is what it is. So, so that's just it is what it is. So, so that's just it is what it is. So, so that that that >> let's see how many seasons. We were six >> let's see how many seasons. We were six >> let's see how many seasons. We were six seasons at Robertson. Those six seasons seasons at Robertson. Those six seasons seasons at Robertson. Those six seasons are like a very special time. are like a very special time. are like a very special time. >> They are, >> They are, >> They are, >> you know, um especially that the the the >> you know, um especially that the the the >> you know, um especially that the the the volume of volunteers that we needed um volume of volunteers that we needed um volume of volunteers that we needed um because UFH was like here's the keys, because UFH was like here's the keys, because UFH was like here's the keys, lock up when you're done, right? So that lock up when you're done, right? So that lock up when you're done, right? So that that that that that stadium didn't come that that that that stadium didn't come that that that that stadium didn't come with any staff where you know the new with any staff where you know the new with any staff where you know the new stadium is a much more professional stadium is a much more professional stadium is a much more professional situation, but it meant that like it was situation, but it meant that like it was situation, but it meant that like it was really our stadium. really our stadium. really our stadium. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And that you're all kind of sweating >> And that you're all kind of sweating >> And that you're all kind of sweating together. I mean, I've grown up in together. I mean, I've grown up in together. I mean, I've grown up in Houston, but I did not really appreciate Houston, but I did not really appreciate Houston, but I did not really appreciate how hot and humid Houston was until I how hot and humid Houston was until I how hot and humid Houston was until I spent 10 straight hours working outside spent 10 straight hours working outside spent 10 straight hours working outside in the summer.

in the summer. in the summer. >> Oh, yeah. you it's like >> Oh, yeah. you it's like >> Oh, yeah. you it's like >> and trans transforming Robertson Stadium >> and trans transforming Robertson Stadium >> and trans transforming Robertson Stadium from U of to Dynamo from U of to Dynamo from U of to Dynamo >> and then and then back again at the end >> and then and then back again at the end >> and then and then back again at the end of the night you know that even the of the night you know that even the of the night you know that even the Dynamo locker room they're moving out Dynamo locker room they're moving out Dynamo locker room they're moving out all of their stuff everything had to be all of their stuff everything had to be all of their stuff everything had to be on wheels so they could move it out on wheels so they could move it out on wheels so they could move it out after you know it's like after you know it's like after you know it's like >> so it was it was a very special time >> so it was it was a very special time >> so it was it was a very special time that you know can't be that you know can't be that you know can't be >> replicated and and it was really neat uh >> replicated and and it was really neat uh >> replicated and and it was really neat uh last month to be at the the 20th last month to be at the the 20th last month to be at the the 20th anniversary game and and to see all anniversary game and and to see all anniversary game and and to see all those the number of players that that those the number of players that that those the number of players that that came back was was really cool. That was came back was was really cool. That was came back was was really cool. That was just really special. just really special. just really special. >> It was It was I I got to I got to see >> It was It was I I got to I got to see >> It was It was I I got to I got to see them um a couple of them up in the the them um a couple of them up in the the them um a couple of them up in the the West Club and it was it was one of those West Club and it was it was one of those West Club and it was it was one of those moments where in my head I was just moments where in my head I was just moments where in my head I was just like, "Oh, they're not going to remember like, "Oh, they're not going to remember like, "Oh, they're not going to remember any, you know, anything. They're not any, you know, anything. They're not any, you know, anything. They're not Maria." Maria." Maria." And they remembered all of the player And they remembered all of the player And they remembered all of the player appearances that I had to put them appearances that I had to put them appearances that I had to put them through and like all of this. And it was through and like all of this. And it was through and like all of this. And it was it was just funny to to to hear their it was just funny to to to hear their it was just funny to to to hear their side of things, but then also um and side of things, but then also um and side of things, but then also um and Mike Chabala actually said this. He was Mike Chabala actually said this. He was Mike Chabala actually said this. He was like, I remember all of that, but you like, I remember all of that, but you like, I remember all of that, but you know what? That's how I got to really know what? That's how I got to really know what? That's how I got to really like like know Houston. That's how I like like know Houston. That's how I like like know Houston. That's how I really connected with with people. And I really connected with with people. And I really connected with with people. And I was like, was like, was like, >> you probably made them drive all over >> you probably made them drive all over >> you probably made them drive all over the place. So, they really got to know the place. So, they really got to know the place. So, they really got to know Houston.

Houston. Houston. >> They really did. Well, and just just >> They really did. Well, and just just >> They really did. Well, and just just like Chabala, like whenever I see Stu like Chabala, like whenever I see Stu like Chabala, like whenever I see Stu Holden because we're both working a Fox Holden because we're both working a Fox Holden because we're both working a Fox soccer event, soccer event, soccer event, >> like always gives me a hug. There's that >> like always gives me a hug. There's that >> like always gives me a hug. There's that connection of like 2006 Houston, baby. connection of like 2006 Houston, baby. connection of like 2006 Houston, baby. >> Yeah. And no, like nobody understands >> Yeah. And no, like nobody understands >> Yeah. And no, like nobody understands that. No, nobody can really understand that. No, nobody can really understand that. No, nobody can really understand what you just said, how those years were what you just said, how those years were what you just said, how those years were just so different because we truly were just so different because we truly were just so different because we truly were an entire family. an entire family. an entire family. >> Well, and especially when you look at >> Well, and especially when you look at >> Well, and especially when you look at the time and place of MLS, right? So the time and place of MLS, right? So the time and place of MLS, right? So that was the just the beginning of its that was the just the beginning of its that was the just the beginning of its second decade. Um let's see when Houston second decade. Um let's see when Houston second decade. Um let's see when Houston came to town I think we were what a 10 came to town I think we were what a 10 came to town I think we were what a 10 team or 12 teams team or 12 teams team or 12 teams >> I think >> I think >> I think >> 12 teams and what is the league now 31 >> 12 teams and what is the league now 31 >> 12 teams and what is the league now 31 32 32 32 >> you know so the league still wasn't on >> you know so the league still wasn't on >> you know so the league still wasn't on solid footing. Yeah solid footing. Yeah solid footing. Yeah >> we had games those first couple of years >> we had games those first couple of years >> we had games those first couple of years that weren't even televised that weren't even televised that weren't even televised >> which meant that the goals in those >> which meant that the goals in those >> which meant that the goals in those games weren't eligible for goal of the games weren't eligible for goal of the games weren't eligible for goal of the week. I remember learning, you know, so week. I remember learning, you know, so week. I remember learning, you know, so just just that early era. It's not only just just that early era. It's not only just just that early era. It's not only because it was oh it's this team that's because it was oh it's this team that's because it was oh it's this team that's moved and is is starting, you know, at moved and is is starting, you know, at moved and is is starting, you know, at the drop of a hat. It's where the league the drop of a hat. It's where the league the drop of a hat. It's where the league was. It's where soccer was at the time.

was. It's where soccer was at the time. was. It's where soccer was at the time. So So you're barely a decade past So So you're barely a decade past So So you're barely a decade past >> um the World Cup, you know, in in 94 uh >> um the World Cup, you know, in in 94 uh >> um the World Cup, you know, in in 94 uh >> you know, 2002 the US men had done well >> you know, 2002 the US men had done well >> you know, 2002 the US men had done well in the World Cup, but it was a very kind in the World Cup, but it was a very kind in the World Cup, but it was a very kind of distant World Cup. and then 2006 they of distant World Cup. and then 2006 they of distant World Cup. and then 2006 they didn't do well out you know so it was it didn't do well out you know so it was it didn't do well out you know so it was it was a very was a very was a very >> interesting era where it's wild to think >> interesting era where it's wild to think >> interesting era where it's wild to think now 2026 to see what this World Cup was now 2026 to see what this World Cup was now 2026 to see what this World Cup was how much the game has grown in this how much the game has grown in this how much the game has grown in this country um for the men and for the country um for the men and for the country um for the men and for the women. Um and it still blows my mind. It women. Um and it still blows my mind. It women. Um and it still blows my mind. It shouldn't but it still blows my mind shouldn't but it still blows my mind shouldn't but it still blows my mind >> to see comments from people this summer >> to see comments from people this summer >> to see comments from people this summer going, "Oh, I might go to my first pro going, "Oh, I might go to my first pro going, "Oh, I might go to my first pro soccer game." And I'm like, you have soccer game." And I'm like, you have soccer game." And I'm like, you have been to pro soccer. But but that's been to pro soccer. But but that's been to pro soccer. But but that's >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We forget how big this country is, but >> We forget how big this country is, but >> We forget how big this country is, but also that the impact that that a world also that the impact that that a world also that the impact that that a world cup cup cup >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> can have. >> can have. >> can have. >> Yeah. No, it there's it's huge. It's >> Yeah. No, it there's it's huge. It's >> Yeah. No, it there's it's huge. It's huge. But even even before we had World huge. But even even before we had World huge. But even even before we had World Cup here, you mentioned it, we had a lot Cup here, you mentioned it, we had a lot Cup here, you mentioned it, we had a lot of international tournaments. I mean, of international tournaments. I mean, of international tournaments. I mean, Houston hosted the MLS Cup back in 2010.

Houston hosted the MLS Cup back in 2010. Houston hosted the MLS Cup back in 2010. >> Allstar game. Allar game. >> Allstar game. Allar game. >> Allstar game. Allar game. >> The All-Star game. Yes. The All-Star >> The All-Star game. Yes. The All-Star >> The All-Star game. Yes. The All-Star game. And that was game. And that was game. And that was >> Manchester United. Yeah. Yeah, I I call >> Manchester United. Yeah. Yeah, I I call >> Manchester United. Yeah. Yeah, I I call that Brian Ching's World Cup because he that Brian Ching's World Cup because he that Brian Ching's World Cup because he because he missed out on the the 2010 because he missed out on the the 2010 because he missed out on the the 2010 roster. Um, roster. Um, roster. Um, >> but he scored in that game. I think it >> but he scored in that game. I think it >> but he scored in that game. I think it was one of the first goals that was that was one of the first goals that was that was one of the first goals that was that was an incredible crowd at that stadium. was an incredible crowd at that stadium. was an incredible crowd at that stadium. That was That was That was >> and and I want to give a shout out to >> and and I want to give a shout out to >> and and I want to give a shout out to someone who unfortunately is no longer someone who unfortunately is no longer someone who unfortunately is no longer with us, but Jamie Roots, who was the with us, but Jamie Roots, who was the with us, but Jamie Roots, who was the first president of the Houston Texans, first president of the Houston Texans, first president of the Houston Texans, who came out of soccer. He played who came out of soccer. He played who came out of soccer. He played collegiately. He worked for the Columbus collegiately. He worked for the Columbus collegiately. He worked for the Columbus Crew in their early days, was one of the Crew in their early days, was one of the Crew in their early days, was one of the most successful GMs in the early era of most successful GMs in the early era of most successful GMs in the early era of MLS. And so he was hired by the McNair MLS. And so he was hired by the McNair MLS. And so he was hired by the McNair family family family >> to to run the Texans. and he he said, "I >> to to run the Texans. and he he said, "I >> to to run the Texans. and he he said, "I went from, you know, my entire staff was went from, you know, my entire staff was went from, you know, my entire staff was 30 30 people to my entire sales staff 30 30 people to my entire sales staff 30 30 people to my entire sales staff was 30 people." Um but because he was was 30 people." Um but because he was was 30 people." Um but because he was always connected to soccer, you know, he always connected to soccer, you know, he always connected to soccer, you know, he was involved with the early planning for was involved with the early planning for was involved with the early planning for NRG that no, we're going to make sure NRG that no, we're going to make sure NRG that no, we're going to make sure it's big enough for international it's big enough for international it's big enough for international soccer. And he was the one behind soccer. And he was the one behind soccer. And he was the one behind getting us Mexico and Kona Caf Gold Cup getting us Mexico and Kona Caf Gold Cup getting us Mexico and Kona Caf Gold Cup and Inner Liga and was it Copa the Teas and Inner Liga and was it Copa the Teas and Inner Liga and was it Copa the Teas where we had I think it was where we had I think it was where we had I think it was >> Kansas City versus Santos and like >> Kansas City versus Santos and like >> Kansas City versus Santos and like >> oh >> oh >> oh >> El Salvador Honduras maybe.

>> El Salvador Honduras maybe. >> El Salvador Honduras maybe. >> Because the thing is like of course all >> Because the thing is like of course all >> Because the thing is like of course all the teams are blue and white, right? the teams are blue and white, right? the teams are blue and white, right? which is why I have a hard time which is why I have a hard time which is why I have a hard time remembering which two of the Central remembering which two of the Central remembering which two of the Central American teams. I don't think it was El American teams. I don't think it was El American teams. I don't think it was El Salvador endorsed because that would Salvador endorsed because that would Salvador endorsed because that would have been more intense. This was have been more intense. This was have been more intense. This was probably Guatemala. Yeah. Um probably Guatemala. Yeah. Um probably Guatemala. Yeah. Um >> but so everything that he did to lay the >> but so everything that he did to lay the >> but so everything that he did to lay the groundwork for what happened in 2005 groundwork for what happened in 2005 groundwork for what happened in 2005 >> when >> when >> when that MLS moved San Jose here, that would that MLS moved San Jose here, that would that MLS moved San Jose here, that would have not happened with all of the have not happened with all of the have not happened with all of the groundwork that had not been laid. Um groundwork that had not been laid. Um groundwork that had not been laid. Um because before the Texans came about, because before the Texans came about, because before the Texans came about, and it's funny to think of the and it's funny to think of the and it's funny to think of the connection to NFL that this has, there connection to NFL that this has, there connection to NFL that this has, there had been no international soccer in had been no international soccer in had been no international soccer in Houston other than you had a US men's Houston other than you had a US men's Houston other than you had a US men's game in 1988 at Delmare Stadium game in 1988 at Delmare Stadium game in 1988 at Delmare Stadium >> and you had a US women's friendly at uh >> and you had a US women's friendly at uh >> and you had a US women's friendly at uh UVH right after they, you know, UVH right after they, you know, UVH right after they, you know, converted Roberts into actually having converted Roberts into actually having converted Roberts into actually having >> soccer field. Yeah. >> soccer field. Yeah. >> soccer field. Yeah. >> Yeah. But other than that, there had >> Yeah. But other than that, there had >> Yeah. But other than that, there had been been been >> nothing, >> nothing, >> nothing, >> you know, and and there weren't any >> you know, and and there weren't any >> you know, and and there weren't any long-term Yeah. long-term Yeah. long-term Yeah. >> plans for it. So once you had Reliant >> plans for it. So once you had Reliant >> plans for it. So once you had Reliant Open and the aggressive marketing that Open and the aggressive marketing that Open and the aggressive marketing that uh the Texans were doing in terms of we uh the Texans were doing in terms of we uh the Texans were doing in terms of we want to host the All-Star game and we want to host the All-Star game and we want to host the All-Star game and we want to host a big event um became a want to host a big event um became a want to host a big event um became a destination.

destination. destination. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Which is why when they announced a >> Which is why when they announced a >> Which is why when they announced a couple years ago, okay, Houston is one couple years ago, okay, Houston is one couple years ago, okay, Houston is one of the host cities, of the host cities, of the host cities, >> I remember a lot reading a lot of me to >> I remember a lot reading a lot of me to >> I remember a lot reading a lot of me to go, Houston's not going to get it. You go, Houston's not going to get it. You go, Houston's not going to get it. You know, St. Louis will get it or, you know, St. Louis will get it or, you know, St. Louis will get it or, you know, Chicago will get it. And I'm just know, Chicago will get it. And I'm just know, Chicago will get it. And I'm just like, you guys don't know. like, you guys don't know. like, you guys don't know. We're such in an ideal location. We're such in an ideal location. We're such in an ideal location. Everything's really affordable. Anyone Everything's really affordable. Anyone Everything's really affordable. Anyone that comes here has a great time. Oh my that comes here has a great time. Oh my that comes here has a great time. Oh my god. You'll you'll love all the god. You'll you'll love all the god. You'll you'll love all the restaurants, restaurants, restaurants, >> airports, everything. >> airports, everything. >> airports, everything. >> So, so when I was in Houston, I'm like, >> So, so when I was in Houston, I'm like, >> So, so when I was in Houston, I'm like, "Of course." And and here's a little "Of course." And and here's a little "Of course." And and here's a little nugget for you. More goals were scored nugget for you. More goals were scored nugget for you. More goals were scored in Houston during this World Cup than in in Houston during this World Cup than in in Houston during this World Cup than in any any other venue. any any other venue. any any other venue. >> What? I did not know that. What? Yeah. >> What? I did not know that. What? Yeah. >> What? I did not know that. What? Yeah. >> Wow. See, that's Houston. That is why we >> Wow. See, that's Houston. That is why we >> Wow. See, that's Houston. That is why we are a soccer city. That is also why we are a soccer city. That is also why we are a soccer city. That is also why we now have Dash. I mean, you know, it was now have Dash. I mean, you know, it was now have Dash. I mean, you know, it was it was also inevitable for Houston to it was also inevitable for Houston to it was also inevitable for Houston to get a woman's uh team. And I know you get a woman's uh team. And I know you get a woman's uh team. And I know you have been have been have been >> it happened it happened so quickly and >> it happened it happened so quickly and >> it happened it happened so quickly and suddenly and not the way that I that I suddenly and not the way that I that I suddenly and not the way that I that I thought would happen, but um so happy thought would happen, but um so happy thought would happen, but um so happy when it did. um and and so happy to see when it did. um and and so happy to see when it did. um and and so happy to see that, that, that, you know, they get to be in the same you know, they get to be in the same you know, they get to be in the same stadium as the men's. We haven't seen a stadium as the men's. We haven't seen a stadium as the men's. We haven't seen a lot of teams have that over the years.

lot of teams have that over the years. lot of teams have that over the years. What's crazy to think about is if we go What's crazy to think about is if we go What's crazy to think about is if we go back to when the Dash entered the league back to when the Dash entered the league back to when the Dash entered the league 12 years ago, they were one of very few 12 years ago, they were one of very few 12 years ago, they were one of very few teams in the league that were associated teams in the league that were associated teams in the league that were associated with a men's team. Had their own with a men's team. Had their own with a men's team. Had their own practice facility, had their own stadium practice facility, had their own stadium practice facility, had their own stadium where they could, they weren't just where they could, they weren't just where they could, they weren't just renters, they were basically, you know, renters, they were basically, you know, renters, they were basically, you know, the owners. um had a full staff that the owners. um had a full staff that the owners. um had a full staff that could, you know, support the players and could, you know, support the players and could, you know, support the players and pick them up at the airport where you pick them up at the airport where you pick them up at the airport where you had teams at the time that were renting had teams at the time that were renting had teams at the time that were renting their practice fields and the players their practice fields and the players their practice fields and the players had to pay for parking. Right now, of had to pay for parking. Right now, of had to pay for parking. Right now, of course, we've come that's like stone age course, we've come that's like stone age course, we've come that's like stone age basically in terms of basically in terms of basically in terms of >> how much the women's game, you know, has >> how much the women's game, you know, has >> how much the women's game, you know, has changed. So now we're at a we're at a changed. So now we're at a we're at a changed. So now we're at a we're at a place where place where place where a lot of the owners aren't necessarily a lot of the owners aren't necessarily a lot of the owners aren't necessarily associated with a men's club associated with a men's club associated with a men's club >> or if they are it's not, >> or if they are it's not, >> or if they are it's not, you know, one one group owning both, but you know, one one group owning both, but you know, one one group owning both, but there's like an affiliation kind of the there's like an affiliation kind of the there's like an affiliation kind of the way that that Portland is.

way that that Portland is. way that that Portland is. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is now. Um, >> Is now. Um, >> Is now. Um, and I see the women's game going through and I see the women's game going through and I see the women's game going through the same thing that MLS went through of the same thing that MLS went through of the same thing that MLS went through of like, well, if we can't control our own like, well, if we can't control our own like, well, if we can't control our own venues, it limits what we can do, right? venues, it limits what we can do, right? venues, it limits what we can do, right? So, seeing Kansas City So, seeing Kansas City So, seeing Kansas City >> open their open their own stadium in >> open their open their own stadium in >> open their open their own stadium in 2024, it means they can they can say, 2024, it means they can they can say, 2024, it means they can they can say, hey, we're going to host the College hey, we're going to host the College hey, we're going to host the College Cup. That's what I want to see in Cup. That's what I want to see in Cup. That's what I want to see in Houston is I want to see us host the Houston is I want to see us host the Houston is I want to see us host the women's college cup because women's college cup because women's college cup because >> they need to stop doing it in cold >> they need to stop doing it in cold >> they need to stop doing it in cold weather places for December event weather places for December event weather places for December event >> and, you know, and and have it here. Um, >> and, you know, and and have it here. Um, >> and, you know, and and have it here. Um, you know, location-wise, winter you know, location-wise, winter you know, location-wise, winter weatherwise. weatherwise. weatherwise. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, and and internationally, like >> You know, and and internationally, like >> You know, and and internationally, like we have haven't even really talked about we have haven't even really talked about we have haven't even really talked about that. Like what I love about Houston, that. Like what I love about Houston, that. Like what I love about Houston, >> whether it's food or people, right, >> whether it's food or people, right, >> whether it's food or people, right, we've got everything. we've got everything. we've got everything. >> You know, I could hit a restaurant of >> You know, I could hit a restaurant of >> You know, I could hit a restaurant of basically every possible cuisine in basically every possible cuisine in basically every possible cuisine in Houston and probably have several Houston and probably have several Houston and probably have several choices. choices. choices. >> Yeah. you know, um, so the international >> Yeah. you know, um, so the international >> Yeah. you know, um, so the international players that we've seen with Dynamo and players that we've seen with Dynamo and players that we've seen with Dynamo and with the Dash, you know, we've had a lot with the Dash, you know, we've had a lot with the Dash, you know, we've had a lot of, uh, players that played for African of, uh, players that played for African of, uh, players that played for African countries for the Dash, right?

countries for the Dash, right? countries for the Dash, right? >> You know, and so I've learned things >> You know, and so I've learned things >> You know, and so I've learned things like there are more Nigerians Yeah. like there are more Nigerians Yeah. like there are more Nigerians Yeah. >> in Houston than any other city except >> in Houston than any other city except >> in Houston than any other city except for for for >> New York, >> New York, >> New York, >> right? You know, um, just having that >> right? You know, um, just having that >> right? You know, um, just having that that connection. that connection. that connection. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And this isn't necessarily an ethnicity, >> And this isn't necessarily an ethnicity, >> And this isn't necessarily an ethnicity, but Aggies. Okay. So like you know when but Aggies. Okay. So like you know when but Aggies. Okay. So like you know when we had when we had when we had Barb when we had when we had when we had Barb when we had when we had when we had Barb when we had Barbara Oliv you know playing for we had Barbara Oliv you know playing for we had Barbara Oliv you know playing for the dash I mean she grew up in Katy the dash I mean she grew up in Katy the dash I mean she grew up in Katy >> she plays for the Venezuelan national >> she plays for the Venezuelan national >> she plays for the Venezuelan national team came from&M like like I'd love to team came from&M like like I'd love to team came from&M like like I'd love to see us lean into more connections like see us lean into more connections like see us lean into more connections like that. that. that. >> Yeah. Yeah. There's a lot of connections >> Yeah. Yeah. There's a lot of connections >> Yeah. Yeah. There's a lot of connections that I I think haven't been explored you that I I think haven't been explored you that I I think haven't been explored you know because even from that Nigerian know because even from that Nigerian know because even from that Nigerian connection with um I forgot connection with um I forgot connection with um I forgot >> Michelle Lizia. Yeah. >> Michelle Lizia. Yeah. >> Michelle Lizia. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, I think it was two years ago, >> Yeah. So, I think it was two years ago, >> Yeah. So, I think it was two years ago, um, there was a an event, an African um, there was a an event, an African um, there was a an event, an African event, a African diaspora event, and the event, a African diaspora event, and the event, a African diaspora event, and the organizer reached out to me, and then I organizer reached out to me, and then I organizer reached out to me, and then I was able to make that connection with was able to make that connection with was able to make that connection with the team, which I was like, "Guys, well, the team, which I was like, "Guys, well, the team, which I was like, "Guys, well, the first season of the Dash, um, my the first season of the Dash, um, my the first season of the Dash, um, my brother was living in town at the time, brother was living in town at the time, brother was living in town at the time, and get this, he was president of the and get this, he was president of the and get this, he was president of the Japan Society because he he spent a lot Japan Society because he he spent a lot Japan Society because he he spent a lot of his career in Japan.

of his career in Japan. of his career in Japan. >> And so, I was able to coordinate. They >> And so, I was able to coordinate. They >> And so, I was able to coordinate. They bought 50 tickets for a Dash game where bought 50 tickets for a Dash game where bought 50 tickets for a Dash game where the opponent Seattle, they had a famous the opponent Seattle, they had a famous the opponent Seattle, they had a famous Japanese player. So, they were able to Japanese player. So, they were able to Japanese player. So, they were able to work out a meet and greet with her, you work out a meet and greet with her, you work out a meet and greet with her, you know. know. know. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> But it's it's it's those kind of things >> But it's it's it's those kind of things >> But it's it's it's those kind of things like there's whether it's like there's whether it's like there's whether it's >> the alma mater, whether it's the >> the alma mater, whether it's the >> the alma mater, whether it's the national team, whatever affiliation it national team, whatever affiliation it national team, whatever affiliation it is, there's so many connections in is, there's so many connections in is, there's so many connections in soccer. And that's what that's what I soccer. And that's what that's what I soccer. And that's what that's what I love about when I'm working in research love about when I'm working in research love about when I'm working in research is, oh, I had no idea that so and so is, oh, I had no idea that so and so is, oh, I had no idea that so and so like like like >> you've been making these connections and >> you've been making these connections and >> you've been making these connections and and I and that has also been such an and I and that has also been such an and I and that has also been such an important piece of what you've done for important piece of what you've done for important piece of what you've done for us, right? For for Houston and for us, right? For for Houston and for us, right? For for Houston and for >> for the good of the game. >> for the good of the game. >> for the good of the game. >> For the good of the game because >> For the good of the game because >> For the good of the game because >> it's one of my favorite phrases, for the >> it's one of my favorite phrases, for the >> it's one of my favorite phrases, for the good of the game good of the game good of the game >> because we we wouldn't know otherwise, >> because we we wouldn't know otherwise, >> because we we wouldn't know otherwise, you know. And um and so when I when you you know. And um and so when I when you you know. And um and so when I when you started doing like the broadcast with started doing like the broadcast with started doing like the broadcast with NWSL and you were able to like on air be NWSL and you were able to like on air be NWSL and you were able to like on air be like oh oh I know this hold on let me like oh oh I know this hold on let me like oh oh I know this hold on let me make that connection. I was like, "What make that connection. I was like, "What make that connection. I was like, "What the heck?"

the heck?" the heck?" >> That's live every day. >> That's live every day. >> That's live every day. >> That's what was so fun about those years >> That's what was so fun about those years >> That's what was so fun about those years is because so all those games were on is because so all those games were on is because so all those games were on YouTube, right? So we were live. We were YouTube, right? So we were live. We were YouTube, right? So we were live. We were not geoblocked, which meant anybody in not geoblocked, which meant anybody in not geoblocked, which meant anybody in the world was watching. So suddenly my the world was watching. So suddenly my the world was watching. So suddenly my social media following was tripling and social media following was tripling and social media following was tripling and beyond because beyond because beyond because >> anyone could see this and you know was >> anyone could see this and you know was >> anyone could see this and you know was heard her heard what I was saying. I heard her heard what I was saying. I heard her heard what I was saying. I remember uh remember Dynamo hosted uh remember uh remember Dynamo hosted uh remember uh remember Dynamo hosted uh Valencia for for Charity's Cup. Valencia for for Charity's Cup. Valencia for for Charity's Cup. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. >> And we were talking about that on air >> And we were talking about that on air >> And we were talking about that on air and and Matt goes, "Yeah, so Valencia is and and Matt goes, "Yeah, so Valencia is and and Matt goes, "Yeah, so Valencia is going to be the first ever La Liga team going to be the first ever La Liga team going to be the first ever La Liga team to to play in Houston." And I was like, to to play in Houston." And I was like, to to play in Houston." And I was like, >> "Actually, And this is one of my favorite nuggets. And this is one of my favorite nuggets. And my my boss for uh World Cup Research And my my boss for uh World Cup Research And my my boss for uh World Cup Research for Fox loves to tease me about this for Fox loves to tease me about this for Fox loves to tease me about this nugget. The world's first indoor soccer nugget. The world's first indoor soccer nugget. The world's first indoor soccer game, real professional soccer game was game, real professional soccer game was game, real professional soccer game was played at the Astrodome in 1966, sorry, played at the Astrodome in 1966, sorry, played at the Astrodome in 1966, sorry, sorry, 1967. Um, Real Madrid versus West sorry, 1967. Um, Real Madrid versus West sorry, 1967. Um, Real Madrid versus West Ham United.

Ham United. Ham United. >> What? >> What? >> What? >> Right. And it sounds wild, but when you >> Right. And it sounds wild, but when you >> Right. And it sounds wild, but when you think about it, well, the world's first think about it, well, the world's first think about it, well, the world's first indoor stadium was indoor stadium was indoor stadium was >> the Astradome, right? >> the Astradome, right? >> the Astradome, right? >> And 1966 World Cup was the first one >> And 1966 World Cup was the first one >> And 1966 World Cup was the first one where it was widely seen in the US. So where it was widely seen in the US. So where it was widely seen in the US. So you had an interest in it. And so 1967 you had an interest in it. And so 1967 you had an interest in it. And so 1967 was the first time you saw a real was the first time you saw a real was the first time you saw a real professional league in the US, but all professional league in the US, but all professional league in the US, but all it was was a summer league where they it was was a summer league where they it was was a summer league where they brought European and South American brought European and South American brought European and South American teams in for the summer to play teams in for the summer to play teams in for the summer to play mid-season. mid-season. mid-season. >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, >> right. So they weren't building it, you >> right. So they weren't building it, you >> right. So they weren't building it, you know, but so to promote that, they were know, but so to promote that, they were know, but so to promote that, they were doing events before it. And so they doing events before it. And so they doing events before it. And so they brought Real Madrid and West Ham United. brought Real Madrid and West Ham United. brought Real Madrid and West Ham United. and West Ham United had several members and West Ham United had several members and West Ham United had several members from England's national team that had from England's national team that had from England's national team that had won the World Cup the previous summer. won the World Cup the previous summer. won the World Cup the previous summer. So, and it just happened that I knew So, and it just happened that I knew So, and it just happened that I knew that because one of my colleagues at that because one of my colleagues at that because one of my colleagues at Rice, he had been a Spanish professor in Rice, he had been a Spanish professor in Rice, he had been a Spanish professor in the 60s and he had been the liaison for the 60s and he had been the liaison for the 60s and he had been the liaison for Real Madrid. So, he had this whole Real Madrid. So, he had this whole Real Madrid. So, he had this whole scrapbook and I had never heard about scrapbook and I had never heard about scrapbook and I had never heard about that. that when the Rice team started that. that when the Rice team started that. that when the Rice team started and we were talking about he shared this and we were talking about he shared this and we were talking about he shared this scrap. So I scanned all these pictures I scrap. So I scanned all these pictures I scrap. So I scanned all these pictures I was like this is amazing was like this is amazing was like this is amazing you know like you know like you know like >> that they were in Houston. I mean to see >> that they were in Houston. I mean to see >> that they were in Houston. I mean to see a picture of the Astradome with a soccer a picture of the Astradome with a soccer a picture of the Astradome with a soccer game going on and these like really game going on and these like really game going on and these like really thick cleats on oh that that turf that thick cleats on oh that that turf that thick cleats on oh that that turf that turf must have hurt. But just like that turf must have hurt. But just like that turf must have hurt. But just like that that there is, that there is, that there is, you know, we do have history. And that's you know, we do have history. And that's you know, we do have history. And that's why it meant so much to me to see the why it meant so much to me to see the why it meant so much to me to see the archive jersey that the Dynamo released

archive jersey that the Dynamo released archive jersey that the Dynamo released in honor of the 20th anniversary. The in honor of the 20th anniversary. The in honor of the 20th anniversary. The pattern pattern pattern >> to it >> to it >> to it >> is the roof of the Astronome >> is the roof of the Astronome >> is the roof of the Astronome >> for that reason. >> for that reason. >> for that reason. >> Oh my gosh. I had not made the >> Oh my gosh. I had not made the >> Oh my gosh. I had not made the connection until right now. connection until right now. connection until right now. >> Goosebumps. What? And I even wondered I >> Goosebumps. What? And I even wondered I >> Goosebumps. What? And I even wondered I was like, wait, why are why is the was like, wait, why are why is the was like, wait, why are why is the Astronome even part of this? I didn't I Astronome even part of this? I didn't I Astronome even part of this? I didn't I didn't understand, but you just laid it didn't understand, but you just laid it didn't understand, but you just laid it out. out. out. >> I had noticed I hadn't noticed the >> I had noticed I hadn't noticed the >> I had noticed I hadn't noticed the background, but somebody sent me the background, but somebody sent me the background, but somebody sent me the link of like, "Oh, oh, somebody must link of like, "Oh, oh, somebody must link of like, "Oh, oh, somebody must have heard your story." have heard your story." have heard your story." >> Oh my gosh. What? >> Oh my gosh. What? >> Oh my gosh. What? >> But so, so for World Cup this summer, >> But so, so for World Cup this summer, >> But so, so for World Cup this summer, the first game that was going to be in the first game that was going to be in the first game that was going to be in Houston, I said to my boss, I said, "Is Houston, I said to my boss, I said, "Is Houston, I said to my boss, I said, "Is it in your notes that that's the the it in your notes that that's the the it in your notes that that's the the world's worst world's worst world's worst soccer game?" And he's like, "I know soccer game?" And he's like, "I know soccer game?" And he's like, "I know that. Thank you." that. Thank you." that. Thank you." >> Okay. So, how did it feel for you to >> Okay. So, how did it feel for you to >> Okay. So, how did it feel for you to have World Cup come to Houston? have World Cup come to Houston? have World Cup come to Houston? >> Okay. Very weird feeling because one, I >> Okay. Very weird feeling because one, I >> Okay. Very weird feeling because one, I wasn't here. wasn't here. wasn't here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> U Well, I was I was for the most of it. >> U Well, I was I was for the most of it. >> U Well, I was I was for the most of it. I was in LA supporting Fox's studio I was in LA supporting Fox's studio I was in LA supporting Fox's studio shows. Um but just knowing it was here shows. Um but just knowing it was here shows. Um but just knowing it was here and every three days all of our screens and every three days all of our screens and every three days all of our screens are full of are full of are full of >> NRG and it's completely full and there's >> NRG and it's completely full and there's >> NRG and it's completely full and there's like I said more goals in Houston than like I said more goals in Houston than like I said more goals in Houston than anywhere else. Um, and I had a couple of anywhere else. Um, and I had a couple of anywhere else. Um, and I had a couple of um, old blue crew volunteers that were um, old blue crew volunteers that were um, old blue crew volunteers that were working as FIFA volunteers. Like, so it working as FIFA volunteers. Like, so it working as FIFA volunteers. Like, so it was so nice to hear from so many was so nice to hear from so many was so nice to hear from so many different sources of like, "Oh my god, different sources of like, "Oh my god, different sources of like, "Oh my god, this is amazing." Or the FanFest are this is amazing." Or the FanFest are this is amazing." Or the FanFest are great. You know, um, great. You know, um, great. You know, um, >> and to even hear internally >> and to even hear internally >> and to even hear internally um, from the people at Fox I worked with

um, from the people at Fox I worked with um, from the people at Fox I worked with that were at the stadium, they're like, that were at the stadium, they're like, that were at the stadium, they're like, "Oh, everything was so pleasant, "Oh, everything was so pleasant, "Oh, everything was so pleasant, everything was so great." Because everything was so great." Because everything was so great." Because they're not necessarily saying that they're not necessarily saying that they're not necessarily saying that about other venues, right? Um, so it it about other venues, right? Um, so it it about other venues, right? Um, so it it was, you know, it was it was almost a was, you know, it was it was almost a was, you know, it was it was almost a proud parent moment. proud parent moment. proud parent moment. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But just a little absenteeism thrown in. >> But just a little absenteeism thrown in. >> But just a little absenteeism thrown in. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Absentee parent proud parent moment. >> Absentee parent proud parent moment. >> Absentee parent proud parent moment. >> I I know. I know. Well, like and the >> I I know. I know. Well, like and the >> I I know. I know. Well, like and the Texans have already been always been so Texans have already been always been so Texans have already been always been so great about being inclusive with their great about being inclusive with their great about being inclusive with their host committee and and always offering host committee and and always offering host committee and and always offering um tickets, but the last several years, um tickets, but the last several years, um tickets, but the last several years, more often than not, I'm traveling to more often than not, I'm traveling to more often than not, I'm traveling to wherever wherever wherever the event is. So, I'm I'm missing the the event is. So, I'm I'm missing the the event is. So, I'm I'm missing the the getting to enjoy it. Which reminds the getting to enjoy it. Which reminds the getting to enjoy it. Which reminds me, you were I think you were gonna ask me, you were I think you were gonna ask me, you were I think you were gonna ask about me being mentioned on air. I think about me being mentioned on air. I think about me being mentioned on air. I think this is the Yes, I think this is the the this is the Yes, I think this is the the this is the Yes, I think this is the the story I'm thinking of, but let's see. story I'm thinking of, but let's see. story I'm thinking of, but let's see. >> Well, so it was about how um Oh my gosh, >> Well, so it was about how um Oh my gosh, >> Well, so it was about how um Oh my gosh, I'm really bad with names. How I think I'm really bad with names. How I think I'm really bad with names. How I think it was Judy. it was Judy. it was Judy. >> Julie found Oh, yeah. It's the Olympic >> Julie found Oh, yeah. It's the Olympic >> Julie found Oh, yeah. It's the Olympic story. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. This was such a story. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. This was such a story. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. This was such a great moment. So, so let's go back in great moment. So, so let's go back in great moment. So, so let's go back in time just a little bit. 1996 that was time just a little bit. 1996 that was time just a little bit. 1996 that was the first time there was women's soccer the first time there was women's soccer the first time there was women's soccer and the World Cup which for it to be and the World Cup which for it to be and the World Cup which for it to be added that early and I know that doesn't added that early and I know that doesn't added that early and I know that doesn't sound early to most but considering that sound early to most but considering that sound early to most but considering that the first women's World Cup had just the first women's World Cup had just the first women's World Cup had just happened 5 years prior that's that's happened 5 years prior that's that's happened 5 years prior that's that's amazing that they were able to get amazing that they were able to get amazing that they were able to get women's soccer in the 96 World Cup and women's soccer in the 96 World Cup and women's soccer in the 96 World Cup and of course that was in the US it was in of course that was in the US it was in of course that was in the US it was in Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta >> um and the US women won I remember I'd >> um and the US women won I remember I'd >> um and the US women won I remember I'd like to say I remember watching it I say

like to say I remember watching it I say like to say I remember watching it I say I remember trying to watch it because I remember trying to watch it because I remember trying to watch it because again pre-streaming pre-YouTube But again pre-streaming pre-YouTube But again pre-streaming pre-YouTube But you're like, you're like, you're like, >> "Yeah, >> "Yeah, >> "Yeah, >> they can't show everything." And so NBC >> they can't show everything." And so NBC >> they can't show everything." And so NBC would just cut in every now and then would just cut in every now and then would just cut in every now and then with okay, so and so scored or, you with okay, so and so scored or, you with okay, so and so scored or, you know, so there were little little know, so there were little little know, so there were little little tidbits of it. I I later, you know, tidbits of it. I I later, you know, tidbits of it. I I later, you know, bought it on VHS. So I mean, that that bought it on VHS. So I mean, that that bought it on VHS. So I mean, that that was huge. That was huge for me. Um, and was huge. That was huge for me. Um, and was huge. That was huge for me. Um, and over the years to get more and more over the years to get more and more over the years to get more and more involved with the game and get involved involved with the game and get involved involved with the game and get involved with the game on a professional level with the game on a professional level with the game on a professional level and and first time I met Julie was 2017 and and first time I met Julie was 2017 and and first time I met Julie was 2017 working NWSL's weekly broadcast on working NWSL's weekly broadcast on working NWSL's weekly broadcast on Lifetime. Yeah. Lifetime. Yeah. Lifetime. Yeah. >> Um, and the 2020 Olympics played in >> Um, and the 2020 Olympics played in >> Um, and the 2020 Olympics played in 2021. I was working for NBC, 2021. I was working for NBC, 2021. I was working for NBC, you know, supporting stats. Um, and you know, supporting stats. Um, and you know, supporting stats. Um, and because I knew Julie, I would email her because I knew Julie, I would email her because I knew Julie, I would email her extra things because I wasn't they have extra things because I wasn't they have extra things because I wasn't they have an assigned person with, you know, an assigned person with, you know, an assigned person with, you know, >> with with the US crew, right? But I just >> with with the US crew, right? But I just >> with with the US crew, right? But I just knew I was like, I know her, she knows knew I was like, I know her, she knows knew I was like, I know her, she knows me. So, she asked me or one of the me. So, she asked me or one of the me. So, she asked me or one of the producers said, "Okay, we've got Sweden, producers said, "Okay, we've got Sweden, producers said, "Okay, we've got Sweden, Canada. No, we got US Canada semi-final.

Canada. No, we got US Canada semi-final. Canada. No, we got US Canada semi-final. Julie asked if you would write some Julie asked if you would write some Julie asked if you would write some notes. Would you mind doing that? I'm notes. Would you mind doing that? I'm notes. Would you mind doing that? I'm like, not at all. Because I felt like like, not at all. Because I felt like like, not at all. Because I felt like here's my Olympic moment. here's my Olympic moment. here's my Olympic moment. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I have that whole history of that >> And I have that whole history of that >> And I have that whole history of that rivalry in my head. So, I banged out rivalry in my head. So, I banged out rivalry in my head. So, I banged out like five pages of notes for her and like five pages of notes for her and like five pages of notes for her and sent it to her and she goes, "Okay, next sent it to her and she goes, "Okay, next sent it to her and she goes, "Okay, next Olympics, you're coming with me." And Olympics, you're coming with me." And Olympics, you're coming with me." And >> yes. >> yes. >> yes. >> And she she made good on her promise. >> And she she made good on her promise. >> And she she made good on her promise. and 2024 I was with the NBC crew that and 2024 I was with the NBC crew that and 2024 I was with the NBC crew that went that called each USA game right so went that called each USA game right so went that called each USA game right so we started in Nice went to Marseilles we started in Nice went to Marseilles we started in Nice went to Marseilles Paris for the quarterfinal Neil for the Paris for the quarterfinal Neil for the Paris for the quarterfinal Neil for the semi-final back to Paris for the final semi-final back to Paris for the final semi-final back to Paris for the final >> um >> um >> um >> amazing experience incredibly hot and >> amazing experience incredibly hot and >> amazing experience incredibly hot and exhausting um but but an amazing exhausting um but but an amazing exhausting um but but an amazing experience and what I loved about experience and what I loved about experience and what I loved about working with with John Champion who was working with with John Champion who was working with with John Champion who was the the playbyplay play and Julie is the the playbyplay play and Julie is the the playbyplay play and Julie is just their chemistry, their love of the just their chemistry, their love of the just their chemistry, their love of the game, game, game, >> and their willingness to >> and their willingness to >> and their willingness to uh consider any any storyline or stat uh consider any any storyline or stat uh consider any any storyline or stat that I threw at them.

that I threw at them. that I threw at them. >> Um like I had even made for John a whole >> Um like I had even made for John a whole >> Um like I had even made for John a whole list of here's some Julie nuggets that list of here's some Julie nuggets that list of here's some Julie nuggets that you can surprise surprise her with, you can surprise surprise her with, you can surprise surprise her with, right? right? right? >> Um like the anniversary like we were >> Um like the anniversary like we were >> Um like the anniversary like we were there during the anniversary of her there during the anniversary of her there during the anniversary of her first cap. So I made sure that he could first cap. So I made sure that he could first cap. So I made sure that he could surprise her with that. surprise her with that. surprise her with that. >> That's cool. So the final game we ended >> That's cool. So the final game we ended >> That's cool. So the final game we ended up getting to be on NBC and it was a up getting to be on NBC and it was a up getting to be on NBC and it was a weekend game and I don't think the weekend game and I don't think the weekend game and I don't think the women's final had been played on a women's final had been played on a women's final had been played on a weekend in a long time. So that was weekend in a long time. So that was weekend in a long time. So that was actually a huge audience. And at one actually a huge audience. And at one actually a huge audience. And at one point Julie goes, "Well, you know, I point Julie goes, "Well, you know, I point Julie goes, "Well, you know, I calculated that X number of players are calculated that X number of players are calculated that X number of players are from NWSL, so that's this percentage." from NWSL, so that's this percentage." from NWSL, so that's this percentage." And he goes, "Whoa, wait, wait, wait, And he goes, "Whoa, wait, wait, wait, And he goes, "Whoa, wait, wait, wait, Julie. Um, let's get this right. You Julie. Um, let's get this right. You Julie. Um, let's get this right. You didn't calculate that. Our researcher didn't calculate that. Our researcher didn't calculate that. Our researcher Jen Cooper calculated that. Jen Cooper calculated that. Jen Cooper calculated that. And it's it's a tiny throwaway moment, And it's it's a tiny throwaway moment, And it's it's a tiny throwaway moment, but it didn't occur to me till later how but it didn't occur to me till later how but it didn't occur to me till later how brilliant that was by John to give me a brilliant that was by John to give me a brilliant that was by John to give me a shout out shout out shout out >> because the previous Olympics, they gave >> because the previous Olympics, they gave >> because the previous Olympics, they gave us all a shout out. us all a shout out. us all a shout out. >> But those Olympics were in Japan in the >> But those Olympics were in Japan in the >> But those Olympics were in Japan in the middle of the night. We were on a stream middle of the night. We were on a stream middle of the night. We were on a stream that had no time constraints.

that had no time constraints. that had no time constraints. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, so I just didn't even think >> You know, so I just didn't even think >> You know, so I just didn't even think about till later. I was like, "Wait a about till later. I was like, "Wait a about till later. I was like, "Wait a minute. He did that in game because he minute. He did that in game because he minute. He did that in game because he knew there would not be knew there would not be knew there would not be >> a time to say it later. >> a time to say it later. >> a time to say it later. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And he he wanted to make that gesture. >> And he he wanted to make that gesture. >> And he he wanted to make that gesture. And so he and Julie doing that for me. And so he and Julie doing that for me. And so he and Julie doing that for me. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Like for me that that that was such a >> Like for me that that that was such a >> Like for me that that that was such a full circle moment. And I even I had full circle moment. And I even I had full circle moment. And I even I had even posted that morning. I showed even posted that morning. I showed even posted that morning. I showed Julie. I was like how it started 1996 Julie. I was like how it started 1996 Julie. I was like how it started 1996 trying to watch Julie Fy in the Olympics trying to watch Julie Fy in the Olympics trying to watch Julie Fy in the Olympics >> 2024 working with Julie Fy for for the >> 2024 working with Julie Fy for for the >> 2024 working with Julie Fy for for the Olympics, you know. Um, so it was just Olympics, you know. Um, so it was just Olympics, you know. Um, so it was just it it was such an incredible experience it it was such an incredible experience it it was such an incredible experience and it's so nice to be and it's so nice to be and it's so nice to be >> recognized by people that you thought so >> recognized by people that you thought so >> recognized by people that you thought so highly of and that you followed all this highly of and that you followed all this highly of and that you followed all this time and I've worked really hard to not time and I've worked really hard to not time and I've worked really hard to not seem like a creeper to them. seem like a creeper to them. seem like a creeper to them. >> Um, you know, it's like I just know >> Um, you know, it's like I just know >> Um, you know, it's like I just know these things because I love these these things because I love these these things because I love these things. I'm not not a stalker. No. Um, things. I'm not not a stalker. No. Um, things. I'm not not a stalker. No. Um, >> and you deserve you deserve all the >> and you deserve you deserve all the >> and you deserve you deserve all the flowers and all the recognition because flowers and all the recognition because flowers and all the recognition because I mean again like you have done so much I mean again like you have done so much I mean again like you have done so much for the good of the game and for the good of the game and for the good of the game and >> and it's capturing a time that we won't >> and it's capturing a time that we won't >> and it's capturing a time that we won't have again. There won't be a beginning have again. There won't be a beginning have again. There won't be a beginning of women's soccer in the Olympics again.

of women's soccer in the Olympics again. of women's soccer in the Olympics again. There won't be a beginning of There won't be a beginning of There won't be a beginning of >> the Houston Dynamo again. There won't be >> the Houston Dynamo again. There won't be >> the Houston Dynamo again. There won't be a beginning of the Houston Dash again. a beginning of the Houston Dash again. a beginning of the Houston Dash again. >> And I just I feel so lucky to have been >> And I just I feel so lucky to have been >> And I just I feel so lucky to have been front row. front row. front row. >> Yes. for for it. >> Yes. for for it. >> Yes. for for it. >> Yeah. Oh my gosh. Front row and just >> Yeah. Oh my gosh. Front row and just >> Yeah. Oh my gosh. Front row and just like doing all the things like doing all the things like doing all the things >> and back and backstage at the same time, >> and back and backstage at the same time, >> and back and backstage at the same time, right? Yeah. Really backstage. Yeah. right? Yeah. Really backstage. Yeah. right? Yeah. Really backstage. Yeah. Again, that's why what what what John Again, that's why what what what John Again, that's why what what what John said on air was so lovely because said on air was so lovely because said on air was so lovely because there's so many people behind the there's so many people behind the there's so many people behind the scenes. scenes. scenes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That are generally not going to get the >> That are generally not going to get the >> That are generally not going to get the attention for for everything that attention for for everything that attention for for everything that they've done, you know, like they've done, you know, like they've done, you know, like >> your decade of incredible work with the >> your decade of incredible work with the >> your decade of incredible work with the Dynamo. Dynamo. Dynamo. >> Thank you. Thank you. No. And you know, >> Thank you. Thank you. No. And you know, >> Thank you. Thank you. No. And you know, and that's that's also one of the and that's that's also one of the and that's that's also one of the reasons for the football takeover reasons for the football takeover reasons for the football takeover because there are so many stories of because there are so many stories of because there are so many stories of people that are doing incredible things people that are doing incredible things people that are doing incredible things in the sport or in sports in general in the sport or in sports in general in the sport or in sports in general where like you never would have known, where like you never would have known, where like you never would have known, right? You you had absolutely no idea right? You you had absolutely no idea right? You you had absolutely no idea that that was even a thing. You had no that that was even a thing. You had no that that was even a thing. You had no idea that that was the individual that idea that that was the individual that idea that that was the individual that was doing that that was providing that was doing that that was providing that was doing that that was providing that information or that was, you know, um information or that was, you know, um information or that was, you know, um capturing that history. Uh, I mean, it's capturing that history. Uh, I mean, it's capturing that history. Uh, I mean, it's so important. It's absolutely important so important. It's absolutely important so important. It's absolutely important for for for us to elevate all of that for for for us to elevate all of that for for for us to elevate all of that because at the end of the day, if we because at the end of the day, if we because at the end of the day, if we don't have that, don't have that, don't have that, >> things don't run.

>> things don't run. >> things don't run. And again, we lose history. And that is And again, we lose history. And that is And again, we lose history. And that is something that we we don't want because something that we we don't want because something that we we don't want because I mean, I mean, I mean, >> we need we need a Houston soccer museum, >> we need we need a Houston soccer museum, >> we need we need a Houston soccer museum, Houston Museum. Houston Museum. Houston Museum. >> Yes, I know. Still working on it, Jen. >> Yes, I know. Still working on it, Jen. >> Yes, I know. Still working on it, Jen. Still working on it. Believe me. Believe Still working on it. Believe me. Believe Still working on it. Believe me. Believe me. me. me. >> I have the ideas and I make Maria >> I have the ideas and I make Maria >> I have the ideas and I make Maria execute them. execute them. execute them. No, it really is important. I mean, I No, it really is important. I mean, I No, it really is important. I mean, I have an entire I don't know, maybe like have an entire I don't know, maybe like have an entire I don't know, maybe like three crates of all dynamo stuff. I mean three crates of all dynamo stuff. I mean three crates of all dynamo stuff. I mean >> Oh, I have everything. Yeah, I have a >> Oh, I have everything. Yeah, I have a >> Oh, I have everything. Yeah, I have a lot of stuff, too. lot of stuff, too. lot of stuff, too. >> Yeah. And and it's important and just >> Yeah. And and it's important and just >> Yeah. And and it's important and just right now when you were talking about, right now when you were talking about, right now when you were talking about, you know, what is it 1967? I again, I you know, what is it 1967? I again, I you know, what is it 1967? I again, I didn't know that or if I ever heard didn't know that or if I ever heard didn't know that or if I ever heard about it, it didn't register. Well, and about it, it didn't register. Well, and about it, it didn't register. Well, and when you when you think of that that when you when you think of that that when you when you think of that that kind of black hole of soccer where you kind of black hole of soccer where you kind of black hole of soccer where you know you had late 60s, early 70s and know you had late 60s, early 70s and know you had late 60s, early 70s and then the NASL kind of folded and then then the NASL kind of folded and then then the NASL kind of folded and then you had this long stretch where there you had this long stretch where there you had this long stretch where there was no pro soccer whatsoever was no pro soccer whatsoever was no pro soccer whatsoever >> in the US and 94 becomes that >> in the US and 94 becomes that >> in the US and 94 becomes that >> beginning but it was only the beginning.

>> beginning but it was only the beginning. >> beginning but it was only the beginning. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know that that MLS wasn't out of the >> You know that that MLS wasn't out of the >> You know that that MLS wasn't out of the woods for a long long time. woods for a long long time. woods for a long long time. >> Yeah. So where we are now to me is just >> Yeah. So where we are now to me is just >> Yeah. So where we are now to me is just crazy. The number of leagues, crazy. The number of leagues, crazy. The number of leagues, >> the number of clubs, the number of >> the number of clubs, the number of >> the number of clubs, the number of opportunities, the it's opportunities, the it's opportunities, the it's >> Yeah. No, it's true. We we have we truly >> Yeah. No, it's true. We we have we truly >> Yeah. No, it's true. We we have we truly have an ecosystem now. It I think have an ecosystem now. It I think have an ecosystem now. It I think there's still a lot of work that needs there's still a lot of work that needs there's still a lot of work that needs to be done in order to truly connect to be done in order to truly connect to be done in order to truly connect everything. Um and there's still work everything. Um and there's still work everything. Um and there's still work that needs to be done in connecting the that needs to be done in connecting the that needs to be done in connecting the sports ecosystem and to the rest of the sports ecosystem and to the rest of the sports ecosystem and to the rest of the community because that's work in itself. community because that's work in itself. community because that's work in itself. But I mean, but you know what? We're But I mean, but you know what? We're But I mean, but you know what? We're we're getting there. we're getting there. we're getting there. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> You know, we're getting there. What do >> You know, we're getting there. What do >> You know, we're getting there. What do you see? you see? you see? >> Where do you see things going? Because >> Where do you see things going? Because >> Where do you see things going? Because right now, I mean, next year we have right now, I mean, next year we have right now, I mean, next year we have Brazil, right, for for women's World Brazil, right, for for women's World Brazil, right, for for women's World Cup, but then in um 2031, Cup, but then in um 2031, Cup, but then in um 2031, >> USA most likely. >> USA most likely. >> USA most likely. >> Yeah. And Houston. >> Yeah. And Houston. >> Yeah. And Houston. >> In Houston. Well, and don't forget the >> In Houston. Well, and don't forget the >> In Houston. Well, and don't forget the Olympics in 2028. Um, sure it's LA, but Olympics in 2028. Um, sure it's LA, but Olympics in 2028. Um, sure it's LA, but the fun thing about soccer, uh, the fun thing about soccer, uh, the fun thing about soccer, uh, especially with them expanding the especially with them expanding the especially with them expanding the women's to 16 teams, women's to 16 teams, women's to 16 teams, >> that's a lot of stadiums you need. And >> that's a lot of stadiums you need. And >> that's a lot of stadiums you need. And all the games are played on the same all the games are played on the same all the games are played on the same day. The schedule is so compressed that day. The schedule is so compressed that day. The schedule is so compressed that it's game day, travel day, off day, game it's game day, travel day, off day, game it's game day, travel day, off day, game day, travel day, off day. Right? So all day, travel day, off day. Right? So all day, travel day, off day. Right? So all the games, that means eight games are the games, that means eight games are the games, that means eight games are played on every match day. So you don't played on every match day. So you don't played on every match day. So you don't have eight have eight have eight >> soccer venues in LA where you can do >> soccer venues in LA where you can do >> soccer venues in LA where you can do that, right? So what they did like they

that, right? So what they did like they that, right? So what they did like they did in France all the group games were did in France all the group games were did in France all the group games were played elsewhere and then it moves into played elsewhere and then it moves into played elsewhere and then it moves into the the host city. So I think the the the host city. So I think the the the host city. So I think the semifinals are at the Rose Bowl, you semifinals are at the Rose Bowl, you semifinals are at the Rose Bowl, you know, um and probably the final, but know, um and probably the final, but know, um and probably the final, but everything else is elsewhere, which everything else is elsewhere, which everything else is elsewhere, which means means means what if what if we get an Olympic what if what if we get an Olympic what if what if we get an Olympic >> that would be >> that would be >> that would be >> group stage game, right? >> group stage game, right? >> group stage game, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um maybe, maybe not. I mean, energy >> Um maybe, maybe not. I mean, energy >> Um maybe, maybe not. I mean, energy might be too big, Shell energy too might be too big, Shell energy too might be too big, Shell energy too small. I'm not sure, you know. Um but small. I'm not sure, you know. Um but small. I'm not sure, you know. Um but they did announce that it would move they did announce that it would move they did announce that it would move across the country towards across the country towards across the country towards >> Wow. towards towards LA. Um, but back to >> Wow. towards towards LA. Um, but back to >> Wow. towards towards LA. Um, but back to World Cup, very excited about next year World Cup, very excited about next year World Cup, very excited about next year because, you know, after the US woman because, you know, after the US woman because, you know, after the US woman being eliminated in the round of 16, but being eliminated in the round of 16, but being eliminated in the round of 16, but then winning the Olympics with a new then winning the Olympics with a new then winning the Olympics with a new coach, so excited to see what Emma Hayes coach, so excited to see what Emma Hayes coach, so excited to see what Emma Hayes can do. She's really revolutionized that can do. She's really revolutionized that can do. She's really revolutionized that team. And you know, I have to put it team. And you know, I have to put it team. And you know, I have to put it this way. She's been the first coach in this way. She's been the first coach in this way. She's been the first coach in a long time, I mean, literally decades, a long time, I mean, literally decades, a long time, I mean, literally decades, who's been given complete freedom over who's been given complete freedom over who's been given complete freedom over the over the roster. Um, we can't the over the roster. Um, we can't the over the roster. Um, we can't pretend that Vlu and Anoski or some of pretend that Vlu and Anoski or some of pretend that Vlu and Anoski or some of the coaches before him had full freedom.

the coaches before him had full freedom. the coaches before him had full freedom. They did not. They did not. They did not. >> She does, and it shows in that if you're >> She does, and it shows in that if you're >> She does, and it shows in that if you're performing well for club, performing well for club, performing well for club, >> you're getting called in, right? Also, >> you're getting called in, right? Also, >> you're getting called in, right? Also, the CBA changed significantly about five the CBA changed significantly about five the CBA changed significantly about five years back so that you know there's no years back so that you know there's no years back so that you know there's no limitations, there's no contract, it's limitations, there's no contract, it's limitations, there's no contract, it's just if you're performing well, you're just if you're performing well, you're just if you're performing well, you're coming in. coming in. coming in. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, so I'm really excited to see >> Um, so I'm really excited to see >> Um, so I'm really excited to see >> what the US does and we have women's >> what the US does and we have women's >> what the US does and we have women's World Cup qualifying here in Houston World Cup qualifying here in Houston World Cup qualifying here in Houston >> in November and December. >> in November and December. >> in November and December. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, of course it means very little in >> Um, of course it means very little in >> Um, of course it means very little in KNAF where you just have to win your KNAF where you just have to win your KNAF where you just have to win your quarterfinal and you're in. And quarterfinal and you're in. And quarterfinal and you're in. And obviously the US got to buy to the obviously the US got to buy to the obviously the US got to buy to the quarterfinals. Um, so that's not going quarterfinals. Um, so that's not going quarterfinals. Um, so that's not going to be a thrilling match, but I'm just to be a thrilling match, but I'm just to be a thrilling match, but I'm just excited that hey, tournaments keep excited that hey, tournaments keep excited that hey, tournaments keep coming back to coming back to coming back to >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> to Houston. Women's tournaments keep >> to Houston. Women's tournaments keep >> to Houston. Women's tournaments keep coming back. coming back. coming back. >> US US is playing in Salvador, >> US US is playing in Salvador, >> US US is playing in Salvador, >> but in Dallas, >> but in Dallas, >> but in Dallas, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The I think it's the semi or the >> The I think it's the semi or the >> The I think it's the semi or the semi-finals and finals are here. semi-finals and finals are here. semi-finals and finals are here. >> Okay. Yeah, I think so. >> Okay. Yeah, I think so. >> Okay. Yeah, I think so. >> Yeah. Um, and then it also this same >> Yeah. Um, and then it also this same >> Yeah. Um, and then it also this same tournament is for Olympic qualifying, tournament is for Olympic qualifying, tournament is for Olympic qualifying, too.

too. too. >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, >> no, no, no. That Yeah. Yeah. But of >> no, no, no. That Yeah. Yeah. But of >> no, no, no. That Yeah. Yeah. But of course that doesn't affect the US course that doesn't affect the US course that doesn't affect the US because the US is host. But it does. So because the US is host. But it does. So because the US is host. But it does. So there's there's there's >> there's other like if you know there's a >> there's other like if you know there's a >> there's other like if you know there's a reason you want to finish as high. Yeah. reason you want to finish as high. Yeah. reason you want to finish as high. Yeah. As you can. Yeah. As you can. Yeah. As you can. Yeah. >> And then 2031 um >> And then 2031 um >> And then 2031 um >> you know let's let's set all the crazy >> you know let's let's set all the crazy >> you know let's let's set all the crazy recent FIFA stuff aside. But recent FIFA stuff aside. But recent FIFA stuff aside. But >> you know it should be here. It would be >> you know it should be here. It would be >> you know it should be here. It would be co-hosted, I think, with Costa Rica and co-hosted, I think, with Costa Rica and co-hosted, I think, with Costa Rica and and Jamaica, which I think is smart to and Jamaica, which I think is smart to and Jamaica, which I think is smart to give, you know, some new countries that give, you know, some new countries that give, you know, some new countries that can't really host can't really host can't really host >> on their own, but have never gotten to >> on their own, but have never gotten to >> on their own, but have never gotten to host a World Cup before host a World Cup before host a World Cup before >> to give, you know, to to share it. Yeah. >> to give, you know, to to share it. Yeah. >> to give, you know, to to share it. Yeah. Like that. Like that. Like that. >> Um, and obviously 99 and 2003, the last >> Um, and obviously 99 and 2003, the last >> Um, and obviously 99 and 2003, the last time we had women's World Cups in the time we had women's World Cups in the time we had women's World Cups in the US, we didn't have a viable US, we didn't have a viable US, we didn't have a viable >> stadium at the time. So, I just, you >> stadium at the time. So, I just, you >> stadium at the time. So, I just, you know, knowing how well things went this know, knowing how well things went this know, knowing how well things went this summer in Houston, I like there better summer in Houston, I like there better summer in Houston, I like there better be some women's games for the 2031 be some women's games for the 2031 be some women's games for the 2031 Women's World Cup. Women's World Cup. Women's World Cup. >> Yeah, I'm crossing my fingers. I I I >> Yeah, I'm crossing my fingers. I I I >> Yeah, I'm crossing my fingers. I I I have a feeling. I have a I have a good have a feeling. I have a I have a good have a feeling. I have a I have a good feeling. I have a good feeling.

feeling. I have a good feeling. feeling. I have a good feeling. >> She's a good feeling. >> She's a good feeling. >> She's a good feeling. >> No, I have a good feeling. I mean, >> No, I have a good feeling. I mean, >> No, I have a good feeling. I mean, Houston, I I think um we have really Houston, I I think um we have really Houston, I I think um we have really made the argument in so many ways for made the argument in so many ways for made the argument in so many ways for all of these international all of these international all of these international um events and just just soccer in um events and just just soccer in um events and just just soccer in general. general. general. >> All the work the city has done over the >> All the work the city has done over the >> All the work the city has done over the last 30 years. to me when I was way back last 30 years. to me when I was way back last 30 years. to me when I was way back first freelancing as a graphic designer first freelancing as a graphic designer first freelancing as a graphic designer and I did this project for the the and I did this project for the the and I did this project for the the sports authority. It was just doing the sports authority. It was just doing the sports authority. It was just doing the layout for a proposal for a um a Super layout for a proposal for a um a Super layout for a proposal for a um a Super Bowl Bowl Bowl >> and I had never seen that side of it >> and I had never seen that side of it >> and I had never seen that side of it before where it was saying yes, we have before where it was saying yes, we have before where it was saying yes, we have this many hotels in this distance of this many hotels in this distance of this many hotels in this distance of >> the stadium and we have this many >> the stadium and we have this many >> the stadium and we have this many airports with this many airlines. So, so airports with this many airlines. So, so airports with this many airlines. So, so seeing all those things behind the seeing all those things behind the seeing all those things behind the scenes that make it work, I was like, scenes that make it work, I was like, scenes that make it work, I was like, "Oh, we "Oh, we "Oh, we >> we, you know, and and all the the the >> we, you know, and and all the the the >> we, you know, and and all the the the transit that, transit that, transit that, >> you know, adding the light rail and and >> you know, adding the light rail and and >> you know, adding the light rail and and all the renovations to downtown." I all the renovations to downtown." I all the renovations to downtown." I loved driving through downtown before I loved driving through downtown before I loved driving through downtown before I left for the World Cup with all the left for the World Cup with all the left for the World Cup with all the flags of the teams that were going to be flags of the teams that were going to be flags of the teams that were going to be here.

here. here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, I mean the city the city >> Yeah. No, I mean the city the city >> Yeah. No, I mean the city the city really, you know, put their best foot really, you know, put their best foot really, you know, put their best foot forward and and really like did forward and and really like did forward and and really like did everything they could to elevate it and everything they could to elevate it and everything they could to elevate it and and I and I think and I and I think and I and I think >> other other than dropping the >> other other than dropping the >> other other than dropping the temperature 20°, we did everything temperature 20°, we did everything temperature 20°, we did everything possible. possible. possible. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, we we can't do >> Yeah. Unfortunately, we we can't do >> Yeah. Unfortunately, we we can't do that. But yeah, no, you're you're right. that. But yeah, no, you're you're right. that. But yeah, no, you're you're right. >> Everybody survived the orange march to >> Everybody survived the orange march to >> Everybody survived the orange march to the the the >> I walked it >> I walked it >> I walked it >> I watched that on TV. I was like, this >> I watched that on TV. I was like, this >> I watched that on TV. I was like, this is amazing. is amazing. is amazing. I walked it and then right after uh I walked it and then right after uh I walked it and then right after uh because you know it started at Rice because you know it started at Rice because you know it started at Rice University so that street that we were University so that street that we were University so that street that we were going in it was nice there were trees it going in it was nice there were trees it going in it was nice there were trees it was res they planned it really well like was res they planned it really well like was res they planned it really well like what's the shadiest route we can find what's the shadiest route we can find what's the shadiest route we can find and I heard they had fire trucks doing and I heard they had fire trucks doing and I heard they had fire trucks doing the spray watering brilliant but I think the spray watering brilliant but I think the spray watering brilliant but I think it's after green brier or I it's after green brier or I it's after green brier or I >> oh you get yeah it's like oh now now >> oh you get yeah it's like oh now now >> oh you get yeah it's like oh now now you're in concrete now you're you know you're in concrete now you're you know you're in concrete now you're you know you're gonna be there at the stadium And you're gonna be there at the stadium And you're gonna be there at the stadium And I just remember turning to my friends I just remember turning to my friends I just remember turning to my friends and I was like, "So if we make it to the and I was like, "So if we make it to the and I was like, "So if we make it to the stadium, what's next?" And they're like, stadium, what's next?" And they're like, stadium, what's next?" And they're like, "Oh no." And I was like, "We don't have "Oh no." And I was like, "We don't have "Oh no." And I was like, "We don't have tickets to the game." And they're like, tickets to the game." And they're like, tickets to the game." And they're like, "Oh yeah." And I was like, "No." So that "Oh yeah." And I was like, "No." So that "Oh yeah." And I was like, "No." So that first metro station, I just stayed first metro station, I just stayed first metro station, I just stayed there. I was like, "I'll see you guys."

there. I was like, "I'll see you guys." there. I was like, "I'll see you guys." And they kept walking. I was like, "I'm And they kept walking. I was like, "I'm And they kept walking. I was like, "I'm standing. I'm staying here. I'm good. standing. I'm staying here. I'm good. standing. I'm staying here. I'm good. I'll just see everybody pass by. I'm I'll just see everybody pass by. I'm I'll just see everybody pass by. I'm fine." And I mean, I enjoyed it. And fine." And I mean, I enjoyed it. And fine." And I mean, I enjoyed it. And then um it was two of them. So then then um it was two of them. So then then um it was two of them. So then Chris made it all the way. He took a Chris made it all the way. He took a Chris made it all the way. He took a picture and then walked back. And then picture and then walked back. And then picture and then walked back. And then his sister Amy like maybe walked I don't his sister Amy like maybe walked I don't his sister Amy like maybe walked I don't know to the next uh station and she know to the next uh station and she know to the next uh station and she calls me. She's like, "Hey, you still calls me. She's like, "Hey, you still calls me. She's like, "Hey, you still there?" I was like, "Yes." She like came there?" I was like, "Yes." She like came there?" I was like, "Yes." She like came back and just chilled with me. back and just chilled with me. back and just chilled with me. >> Oh, it's awesome. So I was like, "This >> Oh, it's awesome. So I was like, "This >> Oh, it's awesome. So I was like, "This was fun, but now we're under extreme was fun, but now we're under extreme was fun, but now we're under extreme heat." heat." heat." >> That's that's the brilliance of hosting >> That's that's the brilliance of hosting >> That's that's the brilliance of hosting a World Cup in the US is there are so a World Cup in the US is there are so a World Cup in the US is there are so many people that be like, "This is what many people that be like, "This is what many people that be like, "This is what you do. Okay, I'll be a part of it." you do. Okay, I'll be a part of it." you do. Okay, I'll be a part of it." Uhhuh. Uhhuh. Uhhuh. >> You know, explain to people like, "No, >> You know, explain to people like, "No, >> You know, explain to people like, "No, there aren't that many Dutch fans in there aren't that many Dutch fans in there aren't that many Dutch fans in Houston, but there are definitely that Houston, but there are definitely that Houston, but there are definitely that many people that will put on an orange many people that will put on an orange many people that will put on an orange shirt." Yes. shirt." Yes. shirt." Yes. >> And walk the walk. Yeah. >> And walk the walk. Yeah. >> And walk the walk. Yeah. >> Oh my god. Well, okay. We We got to we >> Oh my god. Well, okay. We We got to we >> Oh my god. Well, okay. We We got to we got to start wrapping it up. I've got to start wrapping it up. I've got to start wrapping it up. I've enjoyed this so much. Um Oh my gosh. But enjoyed this so much. Um Oh my gosh. But enjoyed this so much. Um Oh my gosh. But I want to know. So, you you're said 32 I want to know. So, you you're said 32 I want to know. So, you you're said 32 years in years in years in >> 32 years into the >> 32 years into the >> 32 years into the >> since the 94 World Cup.

>> since the 94 World Cup. >> since the 94 World Cup. >> Well, 20 years since since uh since >> Well, 20 years since since uh since >> Well, 20 years since since uh since we've met and and and we've worked on we've met and and and we've worked on we've met and and and we've worked on this. What excites you to this day about this. What excites you to this day about this. What excites you to this day about being in this world in in this soccer being in this world in in this soccer being in this world in in this soccer world in in this city? What what still world in in this city? What what still world in in this city? What what still is that I don't know is that spark that is that I don't know is that spark that is that I don't know is that spark that you're like that's why you're like that's why you're like that's why >> I think what I love the most and and you >> I think what I love the most and and you >> I think what I love the most and and you know thankfully this kind of passion has know thankfully this kind of passion has know thankfully this kind of passion has never gone away is the way that you can never gone away is the way that you can never gone away is the way that you can connect with someone that you don't know connect with someone that you don't know connect with someone that you don't know through the game. Mhm. through the game. Mhm. through the game. Mhm. >> Um I was at the Phoenix on Westimer, you >> Um I was at the Phoenix on Westimer, you >> Um I was at the Phoenix on Westimer, you know, my go-to know, my go-to know, my go-to >> soccer pub, uh last fall, and this young >> soccer pub, uh last fall, and this young >> soccer pub, uh last fall, and this young woman walked up to me and she's like, woman walked up to me and she's like, woman walked up to me and she's like, "Are you Jen Cooper?" Because I'm always "Are you Jen Cooper?" Because I'm always "Are you Jen Cooper?" Because I'm always posting about the Phoenix, and you know, posting about the Phoenix, and you know, posting about the Phoenix, and you know, she follows women's soccer. And so she she follows women's soccer. And so she she follows women's soccer. And so she sat down and we just had an incredibly sat down and we just had an incredibly sat down and we just had an incredibly long chat about all the teams in NWSL long chat about all the teams in NWSL long chat about all the teams in NWSL and the US women's national team. And um and the US women's national team. And um and the US women's national team. And um and it turned out, you know, she went to and it turned out, you know, she went to and it turned out, you know, she went to Rice and it's like so this person that Rice and it's like so this person that Rice and it's like so this person that never met, never met, never met, >> had no prior connection with, >> had no prior connection with, >> had no prior connection with, >> but because of soccer, we could just >> but because of soccer, we could just >> but because of soccer, we could just >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, same with the first time I met >> You know, same with the first time I met >> You know, same with the first time I met John Champion John Champion John Champion >> in in Paris, and we just immediately had >> in in Paris, and we just immediately had >> in in Paris, and we just immediately had the soccer conversation that went all the soccer conversation that went all the soccer conversation that went all over the map. Yeah. from MLS to Premier over the map. Yeah. from MLS to Premier over the map. Yeah. from MLS to Premier League to NWSL to, you know, that it's League to NWSL to, you know, that it's League to NWSL to, you know, that it's it's just it's such a connective tissue. it's just it's such a connective tissue. it's just it's such a connective tissue. Um, I can Um, I can Um, I can >> connect with almost any Uber driver or >> connect with almost any Uber driver or >> connect with almost any Uber driver or waiter in the world, right? And this is waiter in the world, right? And this is waiter in the world, right? And this is what I had so much fun doing in LA what I had so much fun doing in LA what I had so much fun doing in LA because they um they gave us all Uber because they um they gave us all Uber because they um they gave us all Uber vouchers instead of rental cars. So I vouchers instead of rental cars. So I vouchers instead of rental cars. So I would try to sus out where each driver would try to sus out where each driver would try to sus out where each driver was f from based on their name or or the was f from based on their name or or the was f from based on their name or or the language on their GPS and just the language on their GPS and just the language on their GPS and just the stories would be so much fun. This one stories would be so much fun. This one stories would be so much fun. This one Serbian driver who was so pissed at the Serbian driver who was so pissed at the Serbian driver who was so pissed at the Turkey team because they because they Turkey team because they because they Turkey team because they because they played so poorly. He goes, "They played so poorly. He goes, "They played so poorly. He goes, "They eliminated us from going to the World eliminated us from going to the World eliminated us from going to the World Cup. They should have played better." Cup. They should have played better." Cup. They should have played better." >> Right. So, so just like it it takes so >> Right. So, so just like it it takes so >> Right. So, so just like it it takes so little, but that connective tissue, as I little, but that connective tissue, as I little, but that connective tissue, as I call it, international soccer flirting, call it, international soccer flirting, call it, international soccer flirting, that um that um that um >> like you can connect with anybody and it >> like you can connect with anybody and it >> like you can connect with anybody and it gives me so much joy every time.

gives me so much joy every time. gives me so much joy every time. >> Wow. Yeah. H No, I feel you. It's true. >> Wow. Yeah. H No, I feel you. It's true. >> Wow. Yeah. H No, I feel you. It's true. It's so true. Oh my gosh, Jen, we need It's so true. Oh my gosh, Jen, we need It's so true. Oh my gosh, Jen, we need to have like another another show to have like another another show to have like another another show because there's there's still so much because there's there's still so much because there's there's still so much more to talk about. more to talk about. more to talk about. >> Or we can just go get drinks later. >> Or we can just go get drinks later. >> Or we can just go get drinks later. >> I like that. >> I like that. >> I like that. Sorry guys. Sorry guys. Sorry guys. No, but thank you so much. Um, I've No, but thank you so much. Um, I've No, but thank you so much. Um, I've really enjoyed not only like learning really enjoyed not only like learning really enjoyed not only like learning more about you and and uh and what more about you and and uh and what more about you and and uh and what you've done and you know sharing it with you've done and you know sharing it with you've done and you know sharing it with everybody, but also just talking talking everybody, but also just talking talking everybody, but also just talking talking soccer and you know um and really soccer and you know um and really soccer and you know um and really looking back and just looking back and just looking back and just celebrating like everything that's celebrating like everything that's celebrating like everything that's that's happened and how that's happened and how that's happened and how >> it's crazy to think it's been 20 years >> it's crazy to think it's been 20 years >> it's crazy to think it's been 20 years >> um more than 20 years since the dynamo >> um more than 20 years since the dynamo >> um more than 20 years since the dynamo came. It'll be 21 in December. Um, and came. It'll be 21 in December. Um, and came. It'll be 21 in December. Um, and 32 years since the 94 World Cup. 32 years since the 94 World Cup. 32 years since the 94 World Cup. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> 94. Yeah. >> 94. Yeah. >> 94. Yeah. >> No, but I mean, hey, what the evolution >> No, but I mean, hey, what the evolution >> No, but I mean, hey, what the evolution of soccer in this city is incredible.

of soccer in this city is incredible. of soccer in this city is incredible. And seriously, you have played a big And seriously, you have played a big And seriously, you have played a big part of it. And so I just I just want to part of it. And so I just I just want to part of it. And so I just I just want to thank you because um thank you because um thank you because um >> like I said, you inspire me, you empower >> like I said, you inspire me, you empower >> like I said, you inspire me, you empower me, and I am in always awe of everything me, and I am in always awe of everything me, and I am in always awe of everything that you do and everything that you know that you do and everything that you know that you do and everything that you know because I'm like, how do you even keep because I'm like, how do you even keep because I'm like, how do you even keep all of that information? Um, no. And I all of that information? Um, no. And I all of that information? Um, no. And I and I just uh I just really want to say and I just uh I just really want to say and I just uh I just really want to say that that you have been somebody who I that that you have been somebody who I that that you have been somebody who I anytime that I can talk about you and anytime that I can talk about you and anytime that I can talk about you and just um elevate everything that you've just um elevate everything that you've just um elevate everything that you've done, I do because you are a baddie. You done, I do because you are a baddie. You done, I do because you are a baddie. You are the OG. are the OG. are the OG. >> You connected me to some great people. >> You connected me to some great people. >> You connected me to some great people. >> You are the OG and and I appreciate that >> You are the OG and and I appreciate that >> You are the OG and and I appreciate that so much. so much. so much. >> Thanks. >> Thanks. >> Thanks. >> Oh, well, okay. I before we head out, I >> Oh, well, okay. I before we head out, I >> Oh, well, okay. I before we head out, I do need to need to remind you uh remind do need to need to remind you uh remind do need to need to remind you uh remind everybody about some events and invite everybody about some events and invite everybody about some events and invite you to some events that are that are you to some events that are that are you to some events that are that are coming up. So, um you know, this is coming up. So, um you know, this is coming up. So, um you know, this is Hispanic Heritage Month and next Hispanic Heritage Month and next Hispanic Heritage Month and next Saturday or actually this Saturday, Saturday or actually this Saturday, Saturday or actually this Saturday, >> this Saturday, this Saturday, >> this Saturday, this Saturday, >> this Saturday, this Saturday, >> Latina Noce. >> Latina Noce. >> Latina Noce. >> Well, or no, Latina. >> Well, or no, Latina. >> Well, or no, Latina. >> No, Latina. No, that's actually on the >> No, Latina. No, that's actually on the >> No, Latina. No, that's actually on the 19th.

19th. 19th. >> But first, we're going to have Puchikos. >> But first, we're going to have Puchikos. >> But first, we're going to have Puchikos. So, Puch Cabos is a Salvadoran market So, Puch Cabos is a Salvadoran market So, Puch Cabos is a Salvadoran market that our friends from Puchikos put on. that our friends from Puchikos put on. that our friends from Puchikos put on. So Deborah and DJ Rose um they are gonna So Deborah and DJ Rose um they are gonna So Deborah and DJ Rose um they are gonna have it at Carback Carbach Brewing have it at Carback Carbach Brewing have it at Carback Carbach Brewing Company Company Company this Sunday, September 13th. So from 2 this Sunday, September 13th. So from 2 this Sunday, September 13th. So from 2 to 6:00 p.m. Uh come out to Carbach and to 6:00 p.m. Uh come out to Carbach and to 6:00 p.m. Uh come out to Carbach and it's going to be fun. I mean they have it's going to be fun. I mean they have it's going to be fun. I mean they have music, they have vendors, everything music, they have vendors, everything music, they have vendors, everything Salvadoran, so wear your blue and white. Salvadoran, so wear your blue and white. Salvadoran, so wear your blue and white. Uh go represent and I um Central Uh go represent and I um Central Uh go represent and I um Central American Collective, my organization is American Collective, my organization is American Collective, my organization is going to be there. we have these really going to be there. we have these really going to be there. we have these really cool um activity books that we'll be cool um activity books that we'll be cool um activity books that we'll be giving out to everybody. So, you know, giving out to everybody. So, you know, giving out to everybody. So, you know, just want to invite everybody to that. just want to invite everybody to that. just want to invite everybody to that. And then next Saturday on the 19th um And then next Saturday on the 19th um And then next Saturday on the 19th um that morning, we're going to have the that morning, we're going to have the that morning, we're going to have the Fiesta Spatas parade. So, I'm I'm Fiesta Spatas parade. So, I'm I'm Fiesta Spatas parade. So, I'm I'm actually one of the organizers, part of actually one of the organizers, part of actually one of the organizers, part of the organizing committee. the organizing committee. the organizing committee. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Yeah. I do parades now. >> Yeah. I do parades now. >> Yeah. I do parades now. >> What do you What do you not do, Maria, >> What do you What do you not do, Maria, >> What do you What do you not do, Maria, is my question.

is my question. is my question. >> Um I don't know. I do too much. Um, but >> Um I don't know. I do too much. Um, but >> Um I don't know. I do too much. Um, but yes, Saturday, September 19th at 10 a.m. yes, Saturday, September 19th at 10 a.m. yes, Saturday, September 19th at 10 a.m. in downtown Houston, we have the Fiesta in downtown Houston, we have the Fiesta in downtown Houston, we have the Fiesta Spatrias International Parade. Everybody Spatrias International Parade. Everybody Spatrias International Parade. Everybody is invited. Um, you know, if somebody is invited. Um, you know, if somebody is invited. Um, you know, if somebody wants to participate and have a float, wants to participate and have a float, wants to participate and have a float, you can still be there if you want to, you can still be there if you want to, you can still be there if you want to, you know, walk it. Uh, actually you know, walk it. Uh, actually you know, walk it. Uh, actually Bernardet in HWSA was there last year. Bernardet in HWSA was there last year. Bernardet in HWSA was there last year. >> Bernie Payne, HWSA president, shout out. >> Bernie Payne, HWSA president, shout out. >> Bernie Payne, HWSA president, shout out. >> Yes. Oh my gosh, so many amazing women >> Yes. Oh my gosh, so many amazing women >> Yes. Oh my gosh, so many amazing women uh that are elevating the the game here uh that are elevating the the game here uh that are elevating the the game here in Houston. So, yes, FAS parade. come in Houston. So, yes, FAS parade. come in Houston. So, yes, FAS parade. come out to downtown on the 19th. That out to downtown on the 19th. That out to downtown on the 19th. That evening, the Dynamo is having a a game evening, the Dynamo is having a a game evening, the Dynamo is having a a game and it's going to be the No Latina. But and it's going to be the No Latina. But and it's going to be the No Latina. But the game that I will be at and we want the game that I will be at and we want the game that I will be at and we want everybody to be at is actually on everybody to be at is actually on everybody to be at is actually on September 26. So that is going to be our September 26. So that is going to be our September 26. So that is going to be our Salvador and Heritage Night, which I'm Salvador and Heritage Night, which I'm Salvador and Heritage Night, which I'm very excited about it. Um again, uh very excited about it. Um again, uh very excited about it. Um again, uh Central American Collective is Central American Collective is Central American Collective is partnering with Friends of El Salvador partnering with Friends of El Salvador partnering with Friends of El Salvador and we are going to um have uh that the and we are going to um have uh that the and we are going to um have uh that the Salvador and heritage night. It comes Salvador and heritage night. It comes Salvador and heritage night. It comes with um we have a ticket package that with um we have a ticket package that with um we have a ticket package that comes with a really cool cap and um some comes with a really cool cap and um some comes with a really cool cap and um some of the proceeds are going back to our of the proceeds are going back to our of the proceeds are going back to our organizations um to support the projects organizations um to support the projects organizations um to support the projects that we're doing in El Salvador. So, I'm that we're doing in El Salvador. So, I'm that we're doing in El Salvador. So, I'm actually um helping remodel uh a um a actually um helping remodel uh a um a actually um helping remodel uh a um a soccer complex in El Salvador in my in soccer complex in El Salvador in my in soccer complex in El Salvador in my in my uh neighborhood. So, yes. So, we my uh neighborhood. So, yes. So, we my uh neighborhood. So, yes. So, we really want to sell out the tickets um really want to sell out the tickets um really want to sell out the tickets um so that we can raise more funds and we so that we can raise more funds and we so that we can raise more funds and we can we can make all this really cool

can we can make all this really cool can we can make all this really cool stuff happen. So stuff happen. So stuff happen. So >> nice. >> nice. >> nice. >> By the way, um I I feel like there's a >> By the way, um I I feel like there's a >> By the way, um I I feel like there's a trip to El Salvador that need that you trip to El Salvador that need that you trip to El Salvador that need that you need to take in the in the very near need to take in the in the very near need to take in the in the very near future. So just FYI, I'm I'm putting it future. So just FYI, I'm I'm putting it future. So just FYI, I'm I'm putting it out there right now. out there right now. out there right now. >> Maybe Lea can host the Yos women's >> Maybe Lea can host the Yos women's >> Maybe Lea can host the Yos women's national team. national team. national team. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Make it happen. >> Make it happen. >> Make it happen. >> Oh. Oh, you know what? Yes, we're going >> Oh. Oh, you know what? Yes, we're going >> Oh. Oh, you know what? Yes, we're going to make that happen. No, seriously. The to make that happen. No, seriously. The to make that happen. No, seriously. The Oh, Oh, Oh, >> she's gonna make it happen. >> she's gonna make it happen. >> she's gonna make it happen. >> We're gonna make We are going to make >> We're gonna make We are going to make >> We're gonna make We are going to make that happen. But a lot of really cool that happen. But a lot of really cool that happen. But a lot of really cool events happening this uh this week or events happening this uh this week or events happening this uh this week or this month. And um yeah, so just want to this month. And um yeah, so just want to this month. And um yeah, so just want to make sure that everybody knows about it, make sure that everybody knows about it, make sure that everybody knows about it, that you guys come out. And um again, that you guys come out. And um again, that you guys come out. And um again, Jen, thank you so much for being here Jen, thank you so much for being here Jen, thank you so much for being here today. And um guys, see y'all um every today. And um guys, see y'all um every today. And um guys, see y'all um every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Um and see you Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Um and see you Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Um and see you at the next uh football takeover. at the next uh football takeover. at the next uh football takeover. Yeah. No, seriously, we need to have Yeah. No, seriously, we need to have Yeah. No, seriously, we need to have that game over there.