From Backyard to World Cup | Irvine News

Presented by The Plant Daddies — rare specimen trees, living art, and hand-carved limestone vessels and fountains for extraordinary spaces. Showrooms in Los Angeles and Irvine. Listeners of Irvine News Today receive 10% off with code LANEWS10. theplantdaddies.com/lanews From backyard games in Pico Rivera to the global stage of the 2026 World Cup, Cristian Roldan’s journey is a powerful story of grit, community, and immigrant pride. Born to parents from Guatemala and El Salvador, he rose through the ranks thanks to relentless work ethic, standout high school leadership, and the unwavering support of coaches and neighbors. Despite setbacks and a winding path to Division One, his talent shone at the University of Washington and with the Seattle Sounders, earning him MLS titles and a crucial role on the U.S. Men’s National Team. Now rehabbing from injury, Roldan remains a beacon for young athletes, proving that dedication, family, and hometown roots can forge a world-class career — and that giving back is just as vital as the goal. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ee58805dad2a8df7