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Chromaniacs: a San Diego FC Podcast
Chromaniacs: a San Diego FC Podcast
Author: Craig Elsten
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© Copyright Craig Elsten
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Chromaniacs is the independent San Diego FC podcast the world has been waiting for! Join veteran broadcasters Craig Elsten and Tony Sanchez, along with Chromatic FC substack author Alex Peña for a weekly look at what's happening with SDFC and MLS. Each podcast gives an overview of SDFC's most recent match, discussion topics surrounding the club, a look at supporter cuture for SDFC, and a preview of the next match. Recording on Thursdays.
Support Craig: patreon.com/padreshottub
Support Tony: sandiego.futbol
Support Alex: chromaticfc.substack.com
Support Craig: patreon.com/padreshottub
Support Tony: sandiego.futbol
Support Alex: chromaticfc.substack.com
50 Episodes
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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.




