Chromaniacs: a San Diego FC Podcast

On this week's episode of The Chromaniacs, your hosts Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña are conducting a post-mortem of a San Diego FC season that ends short of a return trip to the MLS Cup Playoffs.

• When exactly did this season take a turn for the worse? It's shockingly easy to pinpoint
• SDFC went from a great team to a good team making mistakes to, in the end, a team that cannot win
• The season ended with a thud and a whimper in Vancouver
• WHO'S TO BLAME? We play the first round of the Blame Game, with many different ideas
• Time to rotate the lineup for the last two (meaningless) games
• A look ahead to the newly released Sprint Season schedule for 2027

On this week's episode of the Chromaniacs, your hosts Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña dig into it:

• The Chromados didn't lose in Los Angeles but they didn't get the win they needed either
• Who should be the starting goalkeeper on Saturday?
• Why the playoff odds are so strongly set against SDFC making the bracket
• Training Ground Sound: Mikey Varas, Anders Dreyer
• SDFC-Seattle Sounders preview

On this week's episode of the Chromaniacs, Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña go deep into SDFC's defensive troubles...

• The season's true turning point: selling off Luca Bombino
• Giving up goals in bunches now
• How much of this is on Mikey Varas, and how much on Tyler Heaps?
• Post-Match Sound: Varas and Jeppe Tverskov on a 3-3 draw against Houston
• We look ahead to SDFC-Galaxy on Saturday

On this week's edition of The Chromaniacs:

• Your questions, our answers! We asked for mailbag questions on our Instagram account, and we go through them all, from a possible SDFC mascot to Mikey Varas to possible new formations!
• Training Ground Sound: head coach Mikey Varas sounds his most defeated, while Anders Dreyer says they can "100%" make the playoffs
• What can SDFC expect across the country against New York Red Bulls?

Craig, Tony and Alex are back to explore one simple question: how the heck did SDFC put that result up on the board last Saturday at Austin? The Chrome and Azul played a horrible first half, turned on a dime to build a 3-0 lead, then gave up three goals in just over ten minutes to put the most disappointing draw in SDFC history up on the board, 3-3.

Even worse: what if a team loses and there is no one in the media there to cover it?

The show ends with a discussion of how the conglomeration of traditional media leads to a need for independent coverage if fans want real discussion of SDFC.

(Apologies from the crew for intermittent audio issues in this one)

On tonight's episode of The Chromaniacs:

• Alex joins us live from Austin, Texas!
• What's more likely, SDFC making
• Is the 3-4-3 the future of SDFC?
• The Chromados will be missing key players against Austin thanks to the international break
• Training Ground Sound: Mikey Varas/Ian Pilcher/Sam Vines
• SDFC-Austin FC preview

Lionel Messi scored, but Anders Dreyer's brace was enough for SDFC to salvage at 2-2 draw at Miami...with lots of help from goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos. On this edition of the Chromaniacs Postgame Show, Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña sift through a match that revealed glimpses of 2025's success, but long looks at the defensive issues that have plagued San Diego all season long.

SDFC played two matches in some of the hottest weather they have ever experienced this week, but their performances left The Chromaniacs feeling cold. On this episode, Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña discuss:

• Too-few chances in a 1-0 loss at Orlando City
• SDFC's mid block letting them down as opponents go over the top
• Defenders going all-out to keep the loss at one goal instead of 3-0 or 4-0
• A disastrous start to Wednesday's 3-2 home loss to San Jose
• SDFC's red card problems are back in a big way
• Can anyone handle the #9 position with Ingvartsen injured?
• Post-match sound from a crestfallen Mikey Varas
• Match Preview: the hottest team in MLS is coming to SD on Sunday, Philadelphia Union (and Milan Iloski)

On this week's episode of The Chromaniacs:

• We react to the departures of Luca Bombino and Lewis Morgan..
• ...and to the additions of Sam Vines, David Mimbang and Cédric Bakambu!
• How much has SDFC improved over the summer transfer window?
• What were the biggest moves in the Western Conference?
• Training Ground Sound: Mikey Varas and Amahl Pellegrino
• SDFC to play in US Open Cup in 2027
• Preview: SDFC at Orlando City

What a night at Snapdragon Stadium! Craig, Alex and Tony got together LIVE on YouTube Saturday night after SDFC's dramatic 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy.

• A night of redemption for Mikey Varas and Tyler Heaps
• Anders Dreyer with three assists, the King of Beating LA
• Chucky's long-term replacement (Achouri) and short-term replacement (Pellegrino) BOTH find the back of the net for San Diego
• SD fans booing every Chucky touch of the ball
• A rough night for the head referee
• Jeppe Tverskov lets his emotions get the best of him
• Post-match sound from Varas, Dreyer and CJ Dos Santos

Craig Elsten, Alex Peña and Tony Sanchez gather for a full-bodied episode of The Chromaniacs! On this jumbo preview episode:

• Is this the most important regular season match in SDFC's young history?
• Is Chucky providing cover for the rest of LA Galaxy as they invade San Diego?
• How SDFC's front office put their reputation on the line with this loan and its impact
• Is Manu Duah heading toward a new contract extension?
• What's the reason behind SDFC's 17% drop in attendance season-over-season?
• Training Ground Sound: Anders Dreyer, Anibal Godoy, Mikey Varas
• What to expect when SDFC and LAG lock boots on the pitch

The Chromaniacs went LIVE late on Saturday night after an SDFC 3-0 victory over Colorado Rapids! The win pushed Los Chromados within a single point of the playoff line. Craig Elsten, Alex Peña and Tony Sanchez (who was live from Snapdragon Stadium) came on the air to discuss:

• A complete team victory in a must-win match
• Thoughts on lineup moves: Valakari back to a false-9 position, Godoy back in the midfield, Murphy over McVey
• SDFC being opportunistic in the first half and capitalizing on Colorado errors
• Man of the Match Gabriel Pirani netting for the second time this week
• The first MLS start (and goal!) for Elias Achouri
• Post-match Sound from head coach Mikey Varas, Achouri and Pirani
• Now, it's on to the Chucky Bowl!

On this week's episode of The Chromaniacs, with Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña...

• A look back at SDFC's 3-1 loss away on Wednesday at Portland
• When will San Diego be able to deploy their front line at full strength for a full match?
• Is time running out on a playoff run without some wins getting stacked?
• Gabriel Pirani scores his first SDFC goal
• Is this roster enough, or does Tyler Heaps need to add more before the window closes?
• Post-match sound from head coach Mikey Varas
• Saturday night preview: SDFC hosts a *very good* (just as Mikey) Colorado Rapids team that is not as good away from mile-high

Win of the year? Win of the year! Craig Elsten and Tony Sanchez got together late Saturday night after SDFC took down LAFC 1-0 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, dealing the Black and Gold only their second MLS home loss of the season. We discuss:

• SDFC's dominant possession game against LAFC
• How a 0-0 draw would have still been a great result...but 1-0 is much better!
• Incredible defensive contributions from Luca Bombino, Manu Duah and CJ Dos Santos
• LAFC's center back losing his mind to allow a late penalty
• A costly double yellow card late against Anders Dreyer and how it could impact the week ahead

The Chromaniacs are back with a brand-new episode!

• SDFC accomplished three important things in Leagues Cup
• A look back at the SDFC-Xolos and SDFC-Puebla matches
• Tony spends time in the supporters section
• Should Vasquez and Alvarado move into the starting midfield?
• Training Ground Sound: Mikey Varas, Dagur Dan Thorhallsen, Chris McVey
• Did LAFC empty the tank in Leagues Cup? Can SDFC take advantage on Saturday night?

The Chromaniacs (Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña) intended to record this week's show after the SDFC-Club América match, but it was so lopsided (0-3 at halftime) that the boys went ahead and recorded during the second half. On this week's show...

• We start with Leagues Cup talk. This team just isn't built for altitude, is it?
• Mikey Varas goes to a five-man back line, and the defense gets worse?
• How the next two Leagues Cup matches might go, and how much SDFC could/should put into Xolos on Sunday
• Then, to the thing everyone wants to hear us talk about, Chucky to LA for the rest of the podcast

For the first time, The Chromaniacs did a live remote broadcast for the Postgame Show! Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña were live on the patio outside Hopnonymous Brewing off Convoy Court, breaking down SDFC's 1-1 draw against Minnesota United FC. We were invited by the San Diego Riptides supporters group! Among the discussion topics:

• A 1-1 draw that felt like a bit of a gift thanks to a questionable penalty call
• The lineup still has a ways to go to get to the club's best eleven
• Man of the Match: C.J. Dos Santos, for some dynamic saves to preserve the point
• Riptides president Matthew Buse joins us on stage with his match thoughts and more
• With 4-of-9 points since the break, SDFC is kind-of righting the ship?
• Leagues Cup is next and the boys have ideas on how SDFC should handle it

On this week's episode of The Chromaniacs, with Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña...

• The Chromaniacs are hitting the road for a special live show on Saturday night, details inside!
• MLS 3.0? The league weighs new rules to make team building simpler, Alex breaks down the possible changes
• SDFC has added new players, but when will we actually see them on the field, and, who's going to leave to make room for the additions?
• Sign Guy threatens two more years of flyovers if SDFC doesn't bring back Chucky!
• Training Ground Sound: head coach Mikey Varas and new right back Dagur Dan
• SDFC-Minnesota United FC preview

Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña gathered live on YouTube after a 1-0 SDFC win over FC Dallas!

• The Chrome and Azul got back to form, controlling possession and moving the ball well
• A blistering goal from Alejandro Alvarado outside the 18 gave SDFC the lead
• Onni Valakari had a chance (or chances) to double the lead
• Manu Duah almost gave the result away with a late turnover but made up for it with a brilliant defensive scramble
• Did FC Dallas use the right tactics to break down SDFC's attack?
• Post-match sound from head coach Mikey Varas and midfielder Alejandro Alvarado

San Diego FC came out of the summer break and laid an egg. The 1-0 loss at Colorado featured very little offense, more turnovers out of the back, and another second-half stoppage time goal to steal away a result. On this episode of The Chromaniacs, Craig Elsten, Tony Sanchez and Alex Peña...

• Go through the highlights and lowlights of Wednesday's loss
• How can SDFC get more out of their midfield?
• Head coach Mikey Varas puts it on the ref, was a penalty deserved against Colorado?
• Looking ahead to Saturday, hoping it will be a diffferent day AND a different result