Chromaniacs: a San Diego FC Podcast

On this week's episode of the Chromaniacs...Special guest Matt Doyle (from Tactics-Free Zone, formerly mlssoccer.com) joins Craig and Alex for a half-hour to discuss the volatility of MLS, and what the veteran writer sees as the pitfalls for a second-year franchiseThen, Tony joins the show and we go through this week's Training Ground Sound, hearing from Mikey Varas, Amahl Pellegrino and Anibal GodoySDFC at Seattle this Saturday, can the battered and young Azul and Chrome find a result against an organized and well-playing Sounders side?

Oh, so frustrating! San Diego FC played their best match in over a month on Saturday night, led LAFC 2-0 after eighty minutes, and somehow settled for a 2-2 draw. Why? A confluence of misfortune, starting with captain Anibal Godoy being taken off the pitch just long enough for LAFC to use his missing presence and score their first goal of the match. Then, in his return to play after missing months with facial fractures, goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos was put in a difficult spot in the 94th minute, dove to gather the ball...and got KICKED IN THE FACE. AGAIN. Duran Ferree came off the bench, and five minutes later LAFC found a controversial equalizer (was that a handball??) on a corner kick. Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez (live from Snapdragon Stadium) and Alex Peña break down all the key moments of the match and hear post-match sound from head coach Mikey Varas, captain Anibal Godoy and brace-scoring forward Marcus Ingvartsen. 

On this week's show...How does SDFC replace the injured Jeppe Tverskov in the lineup?What's going wrong in season two, is it simply the injuries and red cards?How much is SDFC's system on trial?Folks, Mikey Varas and Tyler Heaps aren't leavingTraining Ground Sound from VarasSDFC-LAFC preview, are the Azul and Chrome catching LAFC in a trap game?

SDFC has lost a franchise-worst four straight matches in MLS, and if you go back to Champions Cup, the drought is even longer. Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña get together and discuss:Two more dispiriting lossesHow can the club keep playing Osvald Søe?Another red card lol at least it wasn't a defenderMikey Varas post-Houston soundHow can SDFC improve their team right now?Is it time for a change at keeper?SDFC-Portland previewLike the show? Check out our live post-match shows on YouTube, and leave a five-star review!

Tony Sanchez, Alex Peña and Abraham Zepeda got together on Saturday night after a disappointing 4-2 loss at Real Salt Lake to discuss early defensive breakdowns, a possible change in goal going forward, the lack of defensive depth crushing SDFC's chances, and much more. Craig was on assignment at the Padres-Angels game, and it looks like he was the lucky one on this night! 

This week on Chromaniacs: SDFC has taken six red cards in six matches, what the heck is happening here?Has SDFC gotten *too* young?The club is using young players at a globally-high rateTraining Ground Sound: Mikey Varas--Luca Bombino--Anibal GodoySDFC-RSL preview

Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña got together late Saturday night after another disappointing SDFC result, a 2-1 home loss to Minnesota United. The guys discuss:SO MANY RED CARDSA young defense getting exposedIs SDFC lacking a playmaker?Post-match sound from head coach Mikey Varas and captain Jeppe Tverskov!

On this week's show:SDFC posts one of their worst all-around performances last weekend in San Jose, we break down the film and spot some mistakes beyond the obviousMikey Varas and Jeppe Tverskov are questioned by SanDiego.Futbol's Chiva at trainingThe guys look ahead to a revamped Minnesota side visiting SDFC Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium

On this week's episode: Shocking released VAR Audio from the RSL match shows just how unwilling the head referee was to call an obvious handball and PKAnders Dreyer experiences the highs and lows of international play as Denmark comes up one step short of the World CupTraining Ground Sound from Mikey Varas and Lewis MorganA complete SDFC-San Jose Earthquakes preview. Will this be SDFC's toughest test so far in MLS?

On this week's episode of the Chromaniacs, Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña discuss: A 2-2 draw to RSL at home, disappointing or expected given the club's heavy schedule?Post-match sound from Mikey Varas and Marcus IngvartsenIs Manu Duah going to be poached by a European team in the summer?Should Zamblé go on loan if he's not going to play for SDFC that much?Mo Salah is leaving Liverpool, what are the odds he comes to San Diego? If you enjoy the show, please offer a five-star rating and kind review!

Craig, Tony and Alex got together on Thursday evening to go over all the latest SDFC news:A look back at Wednesday's humbling 4-0 loss at TolucaWill a crushing defeat have any knock-on effects as the team returns to MLS play?What lessons, if any, can be gleaned from the result?Post-match sound from Mikey Varas and Antonio MohamedRSL is a quality side with some top striking talent, how does SDFC match up?How will Mikey Varas rotate his lineup for the fourth match in 12 days?

The Chromaniacs joined 2 Balls and a Mic live on Monday night to go over the weekend's SDFC news and action! The guys got into the 3-3 draw at FC Dallas and what it revealed about the club heading into Toluca. Then, a LOT of talk about the second leg of the tie, why Durran Ferree is now the obvious starting choice in net, what tactical moves Mikey Varas could make, and general predictions on how the night could go. 

Down a goal, down a man, San Diego FC accomplished something few in the soccer world thought possible, beating Toluca 3-2 on Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium. While the road to advancing remains steep, SDFC's win playing 10-on-11 and then 9-on-11 stands as one of the best in franchise history, if not *the* best. On this episode, which aired live on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña went through some of the heroes of the match: Durran FerreeManu DuahLuca BombinoAnders Dreyer...and so many more!Plus, how will Mikey Varas adjust his lineup against FC Dallas on Saturday night, and what is he willing to risk to keep legs fresh for the high altitude of La Bombanera next Wednesday? Then, we hear post-match sound from Mikey Varas, Antonio Mohamed, Anders Dreyer and Luca Bombino! 

Craig Elsten, Alex Peña and SanDiego.Futbol's Abraham Zepeda got together live on YouTube Saturday night for the Chromaniacs Post-Match Show after a San Diego FC 1-0 victory away at Sporting KC. Durran Ferree started in net for the third straight match and delivered a third straight clean sheet, making two huge saves at the end of the match to seal the victory. Anders Dreyer scored for San Diego and SDFC kept the heat on the Kansas City net with multiple scoring chances. Now, with Toluca looming, how does the club reset for CONCACAF Champions Cup play on Wednesday?Tony Sanchez was away for this one but dropped in at the halfway point, and inadvertently ended our live broadcast, splitting the post-match show in two on YouTube! Here, we have spliced both halves together. But if you're wondering why we make so many jokes at the expense of "Tony the Torpedo" in the second half of the show, that's why! 

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT:San Diego FC heads on the road for the first time this seasonFour matches in 11 days! How will Mikey Varas rotate his lineup, and when?Is Durran Ferree the full-time starter in net now, or does Sisniega get the next chance?Leagues Cup schedule is enticingAnders Dreyer second-fastest player in MLS history to 20-20TRAINING GROUND SOUND: Mikey Varas--Chris McVey--Amahl PellegrinoSDFC-Sporting KC Preview!

The Chromaniacs (Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez, Alex Peña) gathered Sunday night after SDFC's 2-0 win over St. Louis City SC for the Post Match Show! Things are going swimmingly for San Diego, with two wins in two tries to start the MLS campaign. On the show, we discuss: Duran Ferree getting the surprising start in net (and a second straight clean sheet!) The shutdown performance of Manu Duah at center backMarcus Ingvartsen showing SDFC fans the promise we heard about going back to last seasonAnders Dreyer (#10) becoming the tenth different SDFC player to score, on the tenth goal of the seasonYouth and depth powering SDFC into a place as one of the top clubs in all of MLS!

On this episode of the Chromaniacs, Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña discuss: Tyler Heaps contract extensionSDFC's keyword is continuityWe discuss, then you hear from, Heaps, Marcus Ingvartsen and Durran FerreeCould there be a starting GK competition very soon?Preview of Sunday's match against St. Louis 

The Chromaniacs gathered LIVE on YouTube Saturday night after SDFC ran roughshod over CF Montreal 5-0 at Snapdragon Stadium. Everything is coming up chrome and azul right now, as the Chromados dominated the match from start to finish. Among the guys' discussion topics: The spectacular late debut of Zamblé, who scored four minutes into his careerMarcus Ingvartsen coming up strong with a goal and an assistAnders Dreyer finding the space for a pair of assistsDuran Ferree winning at age 19 in net for SDFCAmahl Pellegrino scoring and avoiding injury after a scary tackle that earned Montreal a red cardPost-match sound from head coach Mikey Varas, Duran Ferree and midfielder Anibal Godoy!Make sure to subscribe to the Chromaniacs feed on YouTube to be notified every time the guys go live with post-match coverage of SDFC! 

The Chromaniacs gathered on YouTube on Thursday, February 19 to look at the key discussion topics heading into the 2026 MLS campaign. SDFC gets things started at home on Saturday night against CF Montreal. SDFC about to add Zamblé, but who leaves the roster to make room?We're almost to Opening Night and Chucky is STILL here, what's next?Who are the young players on the roster we expect to take a big step up this season?What could be a roster surprise?Pundits weigh in across the country, over/unders on SDFC season point totalsSDFC must take advantage of a weaker schedule in the first halfTraining Ground Sound: Mikey Varas SDFC/CF Montreal preview! 

The Chromaniacs (Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez & Alex Peña) got together live on YouTube to discuss SDFC advancing through the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup, losing away to Pumas 0-1 but taking the two-leg tie 4-2. Among the items discussed:A remarkable shot-stopping performance in net from Pablo SisniegaA game for the veteran mids to take controlPumas had their chances early and didn't convertPellegrino hits the postSDFC had to play out-of-style and suffer in order to advance...and they did!

SDFC is back on the pitch and The Chromaniacs are back with another live postgame show! Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña got together in the witching hour on Tuesday to break down SDFC's 4-1 win over Pumas UNAM, grabbing secure control of the first-round series before it heads to Mexico next week. In the show...Pumas scores on a true golazoRelentless pressure from SDFCIs the cross a new weapon this year for Los Chromados?Mikey Varas post-match soundsVaras substitutions click, Mighten and Vazquez score off the benchManu Duah and Chris McVey impress on defenseVAMOS SDFC!

Special guest Cesar Hernandez from ESPN joins us for the entire show!We get Cesar's thoughts on the SDFC roster, and of course, the latest on the Chucky sagaWould SDFC ever give in and play Lozano?Complete SDFC-Pumas preview...should the Chromados be favored to win this round?

On this episode of The Chromaniacs...It's all quiet on the Western front as SDFC hunkers down and preps for Pumasfewer than 10 days left to resolve the Chucky situationCould SDFC afford to just pay Chucky to leave?Roster preview: forrwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers!

On this week's episode of The Chromaniacs...NO va a jugar...Mikey Varas makes it plain that Chucky Lozano won't be with SDFC, but Chucky says he wants to stay? The drama continues...Mikey Varas gets an *undefined length* multi-year contract extensionAnders Dreyer gets his deal re-worked through 2029Training Ground Sound from Varas--Jeppe Tverskov--Dreyer--Lewis MorganNews on a new SDFC trialist, and scrimmage scheduleThe Community Kit was leaked and it is...something. 

SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps revealed on Friday morning that Chucky Lozano was no longer in the club's sporting plans. On Friday evening, the Chromaniacs (Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña) were joined by SanDiego.Futbol's Abraham Zepeda to break down what was said by Heaps and head coach Mikey Varas, and the implications going forward for SDFC. A must-listen show! 

The Chromaniacs are back for season two! Join Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña throughout 2026 as they cover the latest news and offer the latest views on San Diego FC and MLS!On this week's show::Expectations for SDFC coming off the best inaugural year in MLS historyWhat does SDFC have left to do before the season begins?Why is Chucky Lozano not in the club's social media posts? Concern-o-meter!Luca lands in Charlotte, St. Claire moves to Miami, we look at MLS roster movesMore youth coming to San Diego's roster with Søe? 

It's the last Chromaniacs of 2025 (unless something crazy happens)!Lewis Morgan trade, is he the answer at the 9 position?Kieran Sargeant trade, added depth to the back lineMLS Superdraft resultsSDFC opting out of Coachella ValleyEnd-of-year thoughts on SDFC's remarkable first season

Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña got together on Thursday, December 11 to record the latest episode of The Chromaniacs! On the show tonight...MLS season ends with Messi holding the Cup, and Vancouver bracing for possible relocationSDFC draws Pumas, a Liga MX top-four side, in the opening round of the Concacaf Champions Cup, the guys react to an early trip to Mexico CitySDFC announces a number of end-of-year roster moves, we go through them allSalah to SD? Don't count on it anytime soonWhat does the return of Amahl Pellegrino mean for Chucky Lozano next season?Who's Alex Peña's #1 dream free agent signing?

On the first post-season episode of The Chromaniacs...Alex's thoughts on the Western Conference FinalA dream foundation to a franchise startExit interview sound: Mikey Varas--Tyler Heaps--Chucky Lozano--Anders DreyerHow much will SDFC lean on Right to Dream?Who's more likely to be sought out by other leagues, Chucky or Dreyer?Onni Valakari is sticking around for three more years

Craig Elsten was joined by Tony Sanchez live at Snapdragon Stadium shortly after the Vancouver Whitecaps advanced past SDFC 3-1 in the MLS Western Conference Final. The young San Diego defense conceded twice early, and a third goal before half all-but-sealed their fate. Chucky Lozano's second-half goal gave a sellout crowd hope and also gave fuel to media questions about his future with the team. Hear post-match comments from SDFC head coach Mikey Varas, Lozano and captain Jeppe Tverskov. It wasn't the ending SDFC fans wanted, but it ended a first season that went far beyond expectation. The guys talk about it all with the rawness of happening right after the match.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Chromaniacs! Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña got together on Turkey Day Eve to talk all things SDFC heading into the Western Conference Final against Vancouver!Dreaming on the finish of this dream playoff runThe pitch has been replaced at Snapdragon Stadium!Training Ground Sound: Mikey Varas, Corey Baird, Manu Duah, Amahl PellegrinoComplete SDFC-Vancouver preview! How do we win this match?

The Chromaniacs (Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez, Alex Peña) gathered together for a live podcast late on Monday, November 24, 2025, reacting to San Diego FC's 1-0 win over Minnesota United FC, advancing the Azul y Chrome to the MLS Western Conference Final against Vancouver. Anders Dreyer scored the only goal of the match on a beautiful backheel assist from Corey Baird, while the young SDFC defensive line came through time and again, highlighted by Ian Pilcher's critical clearance off the line early in the second half. Pablo Sisniega was strong in net with a massive save in the 61st minute. Hear the guys' reaction to the match, plus post-match sound from head coach Mikey Varas, captain Jeppe Tverskov (who had a lot to say about poor pitch conditions), Anders Dreyer, Ian Pilcher and Pablo Sisniega! 

An extra-long edition of The Chromaniacs taking you into the Western Conference Semifinal vs. Minnesota! Don't Panic! Chucky and Anders are OKSDFC locks in Luca Bombino and Oscar VerhovenFirst look: 2026 MLS ScheduleVOICE OF THE SUPPORTER: Locals SG President Steve Brockhoff on what it means to be an OG supporter in San DiegoTRAINING GROUND SOUND: Mikey Varas--Amahl Pellegrino--Luca BombinoSDFC-Minnesota previewTheir gameplan vs our gameplan

On episode #23 of The Chromaniacs, Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña get together to discuss...Another sellout for SDFC in the playoffs as the 11/24 game is already sold outInternational Break, time for Lozano, Dreyer, Godoy and McNair to STAY HEALTHYThen a full MLS Schedule change discussion...How will the July-to-May schedule work?What does it mean to switch to a single table playoff?How will the scheduling divisions work?Does this benefit MLS for the league, players, and growth?How does the schedule change benefit SDFC and RIght to Dream?If you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a five-star review on your podcast platform of choice, and/or a kind written review, thank you! 

Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña got together live on YouTube an hour after San Diego FC ended their playoff series against Portland with a dominant 4-0 home win. The guys talk about the surprising decision to stick with Amahl Pellegrino over Chucky Lozano, and how he delivered a brace along with SDFC MVP Anders Dreyer. SDFC moves on to play Minnesota United FC on Monday, November 24 in the Western Conference Semifinals. 

Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña got together on Friday, November 7, 2025 to record episode #22 of The Chromaniacs. On this show: A full Sunday for San Diego soccer fansA brief look back at Match TwoAnders Dreyer wins MLS Newcomer of the Year and is on MLS Best XIMikey Varas a distant third for MLS Coach of the YearIt's our gameplan vs theirs, who prevails in Match Three?Pablo Sisniega Confidence-o-Meter?Training Ground Sound: Mikey Varas--Anders Dreyer--Corey Baird

On Monday's episode of 2 Balls and a Mic, the Chromaniacs were invited on to break down and discuss Saturday's painful SDFC loss in penalty kicks to the Portland Timbers. Craig Elsten and Alex Peña joined Tony Sanchez, Chiva Villaseñor and Abe Zepeda to look at lineup and substitution decisions, how the Timbers now have a gameplan for the third and deciding match, and what adjustments SDFC head coach Mikey Varas can make going into Sunday's home series finale. 

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT: SDFC captain Jeppe Tverskov gets a contract extension through 2027/2028The MLS playoffs are one match deep, where does everyone stand?The playoff format is fun...for now. It's about to get sillySDFC killing it with attendanceSpooky question: who is the team in the West you are most afraid of?TAM Talk: putting the ghost of Milan Iloski to restTraining Ground Sound: Mikey Varas--CJ Dos Santos--Onni ValikariMatch Two Preview: what strategic tack will Portland take, and how should SDFC respond?

Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña get together an hour after San Diego FC wins their first-ever playoff match, a 2-1 home result against Portland Timbers. The guys talk through an incredible atmosphere at Snapdragon Stadium, a composed and effective start from SDFC, and every step on the way to a playoff result that sets up Los Chromados well for what is to come. Also, hear post-match sound from head coach Mikey Varas, forward Anders Dreyer and midfielder Luca de la Torre. 

On today's show: Alex Peñs reviews his trip to Portland to watch SDFC clinch first placeIs the Chucky Lozano situation resolved? Was this best-case scenario?Who should start at left wing on Sunday, Lozano or Pellegrino?Mikey Varas and Anders Dreyer earn MLS award nominationsDoes Portland play to win or do they play for penalties?The #1 thing SDFC needs to avoid doing on Sunday

Saturday night, San Diego FC beat down Portland Timbers 4-0 at Providence Park, and the result combined with a Vancouver loss gave SDFC first place in the Western Conference of MLS, setting all-time expansion season records for wins, points and away wins. While both Craig Elsten and Tony Sanchez were working at the San Diego Wave FC match concurrently, they had the game on and got together live on YouTube late Saturday night to celebrate the club's win and accomplishments. However, it's never a 100% sunshine story in San Diego sports, so there is also the issue of Chucky Lozano's absence, and head coach Mikey Varas' cryptic comment about him after the match. Get hyped up with Craig and Tony, and hear what Varas had to say in this post-match show!The guys will be back with Alex Peña on Thursday with reaction to the Western Conference Wild Card Game, and a preview of SDFC's first home playoff match on Sunday. Make sure to subscribe to Chromaniacs on YouTube and hit the notification bell to find out every time we go live after matches!

ON THE SHOW TONIGHTWe go through every possible scenario on how SDFC can finish the season, from first to fourth placeTraining Ground Sound: Mikey Varas and Amahl PellegrinoThe Never-Ending Search for a #9 (and it's NOT Pellegrino)Marcus Ingvartsen, where's WaldoSDFC-Portland Timbers preview!

In lieu of a traditional post-match show, on Monday night the Chromaniacs (Craig Elsten and Alex Peña) joined their fellow Chromaniac Tony Sanchez on his 2 Balls and a Mic podcast with co-host Abraham Zepeda. The guys broke down SDFC's 4-2 win in Houston, the breakout performance of Amahl Pellegrino, how much stock to put in SDFC's return to offensive form, the impact of international break departures and how the Chrome and Azul are set up in the endgame of trying to chase down the top spot in the Western Conference of MLS. 

The San Diego Padres have been eliminated. Now, SDFC has the chance to become the first major pro sports team in San Diego history to win a championship. But the road to the playoffs has been bumpy of late, filled with no-goal potholes. On the latest episode of the Chromaniacs, Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña discuss:SDFC's championship opportunityCould Marcus Ingvartsen return by season's end, and who should play the nine until he returns?Luca de la Torre left off the USMNT roster for October, what does it mean for club and playerTraining Ground Sound: Mikey Varas and Chris McVeySDFC at Houston Dynamo match preview 

Tony Sanchez is at Snapdragon Stadium, joined by Craig Elsten and Alex Peña in studio to break down a disappointing 1-0 home loss to San Jose Earthquakes. It seems like San Diego soccer fans have been shown the same match for almost four months now, with great possession but very little finishing touch, and goals conceded against the run of play. The guys work through their frustration over the never-ending hole at the #9 position, and hear the post-match comments from head coach Mikey Varas. 

On tonight's show: SDFC plays well for a half in Atlanta, then stumblesThe battle for first place in the West tightens upLuca de la Torre's struggles in the midfieldWho starts at left back wtih Bombino out?SDFC-San Jose Earthquakes preview

ON THE SHOW TONIGHTSDFC shows SDSU how to fill Snapdragon Stadium without giving away the houseLooking back at a loss to the LoonsHow can SDFC reach next year's CONCACAF Champions CupMikey Varas wants SDFC to support all national teams (training ground sound)SDFC-Atlanta United previewIs this the ultimate trap game on the schedule? 

Tony Sanchez is live from Snapdragon Stadium, Craig Elsten and Alex Peña join from home to break down a 4-2 win over Club Tijuana in the first-ever Baja Cup. David Vasquez made a play for a bigger role in the offense with a goal and assist. Tomas Ángel delivered a beautiful assist on the Vasquez goal. Manu Duah nailed a header in the box on a corner kick for the lead. And "Guest Player 37" capped things off with a fourth goal. Guest player WHO? Tony has the answers on the names behind the guests. The guys hear from head coach Mikey Varas about the win. 

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT! The international break is over, what happened?Right to Dream academy officially launches, MLS Next team comingSDFC vs Xolos, the "Baja Cup" is coming next weekSDFC spoiled Sonny's debut for LAFC but NOT in South Korean AI recaps!Match preview: Minnesota at SDFCWhat's the dream scenario for Saturday's results? How can Los Chromados overcome Minnesota's planned low-block defense?Audio: Onni Valakari from the SDFC training grounds

Monday night, the Chromaniacs and 2 Balls and a Mic got together for another epic roundtable, talking about the hottest team in MLS! SDFC's 2-1 win at LAFC was the signature win so far of an inaugural season that has already delivered more memories than could possibly be imagined. With no match this week, we wanted to share the excitement of our talk with the Chromaniacs audience! The panel went through the match in detail, the implications for the MLS table, how CJ Dos Santos has regained his firm grip on the goalkeeping position, and much, much more!