In the early 1990s, latino immigration in the United States peaked. As millions moved to the US from Latin America, they brought with them a passion for futbol. At the same time, US Soccer was devising new ways to build and sustain the game in this country. That meant stages the world's largest events, such as the Olympics and World Cup, and proving that fans in this country would fill stadiums to watch the beautiful game. The birth of Major League Soccer brought with it anxiety of failed predecessors, such as the North American Soccer League, and a desire to overcome similar shortcomings. The growing, soccer-crazy latino communities proved as a bedrock of growth for the game throughout those times.

Andrés Martinez came to the United States in the 1980s, from Mexico. Futbol had been part of his upbringing, a part of his identity as real as his name or Mexican roots. But, when he arrived and settled in his new home, he felt as though he had to give up futbol to fit in with his new peers. Then, he watched the sport grow over the subsequent decades, in large part based on the rapid expansion of other latino immigrant populations who brought their passion for the game to America. Even as a boy, Andrés had a thoughtful point of view on the sport he loved, and the two countries that he's called home. A veteran of The New York Times, LA Times and other papers, Martinez shares his personal story and how it reflects that of millions more soccer fans in the US just like him.

Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America.

Visit our website for more information: ⁠⁠FoundingFutbol.com

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Host: Kent Malmros

Guest: Andrés Martinez (Journalist, Sports Historian)

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