Join the Sunday League Series as we welcome Sergio “Chivita” Ledezma to the pod! ⚽️

Sergio takes us inside the elite world of the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, where he trained and competed alongside some of the brightest talents in American soccer. We dive into what it’s really like to be a top-tier youth prospect, the discipline required to stay at the top, and how those experiences shaped his life on and off the pitch.

We talk:

• Growing up as a baller in Eastside San Jose and the moment the Quakes came calling.

• Academy Life: The daily grind, the pressure of the badge, and playing with future professionals.

• How a major injury affected his trajectory.

• What the transition post-academy soccer has been like.

Whether you're an aspiring pro or a Sunday League veteran, Sergio’s journey offers a rare look at the high-stakes world of youth soccer and the pure love for the game. 🎙️⚽️

Join the Gol Sided crew as we welcome Katarina Comesaña to the pod! ⚽️🇵🇪

Katarina takes us through her journey from growing up and playing youth soccer in the Bay Area to competing at the highest levels of the game — including Division 1 college soccer, professional football, and representing Peru’s Women’s National Team in major international tournaments.

We talk:
- Starting soccer at a late age
- Taking the unconventional route to Community College & D1 soccer

- Earning call-ups to the Peru National Team as a dual national
- Competing in Copa América and international tournaments
- The realities of international soccer and overcoming adversity

Tune in for a story that shows just how far soccer can take you. 🎙️⚽️

Join the Gol Sided crew as we welcome Elyssa Hernandez to the pod!
At just 17 years old, Elyssa is already representing the El Salvador Women’s National Team — and her journey is just getting started.

We talk:
- Her trial and El Salvador U17s call ups

From local fields to international matches, this episode dives into an an amazing expedited journey through youth ranks into the experience of representing your nation.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of the brightest young talents in the game!

Check out our podcast and join our discord!

http://linktr.ee/golsided

Follow Elyssa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elyssahernandez08/

Join the Gol Sided crew as we welcome Raul Cortes to the pod!

Raul talks us through his long journey to playing semi-pro soccer and we dive into the details of the paid Sunday League soccer scene.

We talk:

- Starting young in rec leagues

- Playing Sunday League at 14

- Being top goal scorer in Gilroy for 10 seasons

- Having the mental strength to comeback from a major injury

- The ins and outs of being a paid Sunday League player

- Taking the leap to play in UPSL

Tune in to this story with plenty of local footy lore coming from one of the area's most prolific strikers.

Check out our podcast and join our discord!

http://linktr.ee/golsided

Follow Raul on IG: https://www.instagram.com/imm_illl/

Join the Gol Sided crew as we welcome Dani Wheeler to the pod!Dani talks us through her prolific path through youth academies to being called up to the US Women's Deaf National team and winning the Deaf World Cup!We talk:- Her path through the Bay Area's top academies- Being scouted for the Deaf National Team at 12

- Playing at the 2016 Deaf World Cup- Playing college soccer at a Deaf University

- Comeback from injuriesTune in to this inspirational story with a great baller and an even better person!

Join the Gol Sided crew as we welcome Favian Renkel to the pod! 🔥

Favian talks us through his path from local podcasts to covering everything MLS and US Soccer.

We talk:

- Starting locally with Tectonic Takes

- Getting to interview his hero's - kinda

- Advice for new journalists

- Favorite MLS player

- What he's cooking for 2026 and more!

If you're in the creator space or looking into the world of journalism, tune in to this great convo!

Favian Renkel: https://linktr.ee/Favianrenkel?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Kickbase: https://www.instagram.com/kickbase_usa?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

In this week's episode, Omar and Cesar dive deep into Mexico's crisis.

Bad results and locker room drama, is Mexico in a freefall??

Raul & Edson throw gas on the flame,

Tala or Malagon, who's the number 1?

Scotland qualify, Ireland still alive!

and some new faces in CONCACAF going to the World Cup!

Check out our podcast and join our discord!

http://linktr.ee/golsided

Join the Gol Sided crew as we welcome Luz Arreaga — Gilroy’s top female baller — to the pod! ⚽️🔥

She takes us through her full journey: from recess games with the boys, to Gilroy High standout, to grinding through the pressure and reality of Division 1 soccer at the University of Nevada, Reno.

⚽️ In This Episode We Talk About:

- Her path from Gilroy High to D1 soccer at UNR

- The difference between local clubs vs Academy soccer

- Being coached by her older brother

- The ups and downs of D1 soccer — stress, pressure, and the tough transition

- Life after college & starting her private coaching business

If you’re a young player, a coach, or someone who loves hearing real soccer stories tune in for a great conversation. 🙌⚽️

Private Sessions: https://www.instagram.com/cheekyacademy/

Birria Spot: https://www.instagram.com/birria_patro_jaramillo/