Sam Junqua: Resilience, Trades, and MLS Life

In Part 2 of our conversation with Sam Junqua, we dive deeper into his MLS journey with FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake. Sam reflects on the realities of trades, adapting across multiple positions, and how mindfulness and journaling keep him grounded in high-pressure moments. He shares the differences in club culture, the value of versatility, and his advice for young players chasing the dream. From resilience to family support, Sam’s story is one of growth, grit, and perspective—with an eye still set on the World Cup stage.

Key Talking Points

• Transitioning from FC Dallas to Real Salt Lake

• Experiencing the shock of MLS trades

• Evolving into a consistent, versatile player

• Club culture: Houston vs Dallas vs Salt Lake

• Mindfulness, journaling, and reframing nerves as privilege

• Advice for kids: enjoy the game and embrace pressure

• The dream of playing in a World Cup still alive

Tune In to Learn

How Sam Junqua built resilience through change, embraced mindfulness, and found consistency across his MLS career.

Quotes from Sam

“At Dallas, I matured into a player who could perform consistently across 90 minutes.”

“In MLS, you can be traded without even knowing—it happened to me on vacation.”

“Salt Lake emphasizes grit, and that’s become our identity as a team.”

“Versatility is both a blessing and a curse, but it’s shaped who I am as a player.”

“Mindfulness and journaling have been game-changers for me.”

“Nerves mean the moment matters—you just have to embrace it.”

“Pressure is a privilege—it means you’re playing in something that counts.”

“You don’t have to be great at everything; you need to master your strengths.”

“My parents have been the greatest influence on my career.”

“Playing in a World Cup still remains a dream of mine.”

Hashtags

#ChatByThePitch #SamJunqua #RealSaltLake #FCDallas #SoccerMindset #SoccerJourney #SoccerAdvice #SoccerParents #MLSTrades #SoccerPodcast

📲 Connect with Sam Junqua

📷 Instagram: @sjunqua Instagram+1

🐦 X (Twitter): @SJunqua X (formerly Twitter)

🌐 Website / Player Profile: RSL.com – Sam Junqua

Follow Chat By The Pitch:

🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch

📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch

📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch

🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to Chat By The Pitch on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Your support helps us grow and bring more in-depth conversations with players, coaches, and industry leaders.

#ChatByThePitch #SamJunqua #MLS #SoccerJourney #CollegeSoccer #HoustonDynamo #SoccerDevelopment #USSoccer #SoccerLife #SoccerPodcast

Mentioned in this episode:

TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer team

TeamPlayr

Thanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach Weekly

Soccer Coach Weekly

Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories

Soccer Innovations

Reeplayer: Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.

Reeplayer