We welcome representatives from 4 teams competing in the prestigious Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. We get to know the clubs beyond the pitch and also talk about what to expect as these teams battle for the opportunity to represent Houston on the national stage and make their mark in one of the most historic tournaments in American soccer.

Welcome to The Cris P Show! This week, Cristian Putallaz sits down with Sebastian Salazar, an Ecuadorian-American creative from Houston. We explore what Houston and the U.S. more broadly, offers creatives building in the soccer space, and Sebastian shares his perspective on the city’s growing soccer culture and creative community.

Cristian sits down with Coach Christopher Helton, a longtime local high school soccer coach who has helped shape and guide generations of young players, including several who have gone on to play professionally around the world. We explore an important question: What role does high school soccer play in the American soccer ecosystem?

This week, Cristian Putallaz sits down with David Dominguez, Bayou City Soccer’s Spanish-language writer and podcast host, to explore what soccer means to him, his family, and his Argentine roots. From Messi’s impact on his relationship with his father to the traditions and emotions behind supporting the club of your ancestors, David shares why, for Argentines, fútbol is so much more than a game.

Cristian Putallaz is joined by Victor Araiza, a native Houstonian and passionate voice in the city’s soccer community. We dive into Victor’s story, his experiences covering the beautiful game, and his hopes for what soccer can continue to do for Houston and its growing soccer culture.