1. What excites me the most about the growth of soccer in Los Angeles?
What excites me most about the growth of soccer in Los Angeles is the opportunity it creates for the next generation. Soccer has the power to change lives, and today more young boys and girls have access to better coaching, development pathways, and opportunities than ever before.

I'm also incredibly excited that Los Angeles will host matches during the FIFA World Cup. Having a World Cup in your own city can inspire a generation of young players. For many children, seeing the best players in the world compete right in front of them could be a life-changing experience. I'm excited not only for the growth of the game, but also for the positive impact it will have on young athletes throughout our community.

2. How did LMU prepare me for my professional soccer career?
LMU prepared me for my professional career in many ways. It reinforced the importance of putting God first, staying disciplined, and being consistent in everything I did not only in soccer, but also academically and personally.

Living away from home also taught me responsibility, independence, and how to navigate challenges on my own. The lessons I learned at LMU stayed with me throughout my professional career, and I continue to see the benefits of those experiences in my life today.

3. How did my experiences in MLS, Liga MX, and the USL Championship shape my perspective on soccer?
Playing in MLS, Liga MX, and the USL Championship gave me a unique perspective on how powerful and influential soccer can be in different cultures.
When I began my professional career in MLS, soccer in the United States was still growing. Today, the sport has experienced tremendous growth, and the arrival of players like Lionel Messi has elevated the game to another level. It's exciting to see how far soccer has come in this country.

In Mexico, soccer is the number one sport and a huge part of the culture. I had the privilege of playing for Cruz Azul, one of the biggest clubs in the country, and winning multiple championships. Seeing firsthand the passion of the fans and the impact soccer has on people's lives was truly remarkable. Those experiences helped me appreciate the global influence and power of the game.

4. What does being inducted into the LMU Hall of Fame mean to me?
Being inducted into the LMU Hall of Fame is one of the greatest honors of my life. It fills me with pride, gratitude, and humility. LMU played such an important role in my personal and athletic development, and to be recognized by LMU that means so much to me is incredibly special.

It's also a responsibility. I want to represent LMU in a way that reflects the values LMU instilled in me and hopefully inspire future generations of student athletes.

5. What is one lesson from your soccer career that continues to guide you on and off the field?
The most important lesson I've learned is to put God first, stay disciplined, and remain consistent.

Those principles sound simple, but they require sacrifice, humility, and commitment every single day. Throughout my life and career, I've seen that when you stay true to those values, there are no limits to what you can accomplish. They are lessons I learned early in life, strengthened during my time at LMU, and continue to apply every day.

6. What separates good teams from extraordinary teams?
For me, the difference between good teams and extraordinary teams goes beyond talent. It comes down to humility.

Soccer is a team sport, and the best teams are made up of individuals who are willing to put the group above themselves. Humility allows players to work together, remain disciplined, stay committed through adversity, and continue improving.

I experienced this firsthand at LMU when we won the program's first championship, with the San Jose Earthquakes when we won the Supporters' Shield (2012), and with Cruz Azul when we won multiple titles. Extraordinary teams always share a culture of humility, accountability, and commitment to one another.

7. What advice would I give LMU students who dream of becoming professional soccer players?
My advice is simple: discipline, consistency, and humility.

Those three qualities are what turn dreams into reality. Talent is important, but talent alone is never enough. You have to be willing to work every day, stay committed when things get difficult, and remain humble enough to keep learning and growing.

These are the same values I share with young players today and with my son Santiago, who dreams of following a similar path. If you commit yourself to those principles, you give yourself the best chance to achieve your goals.

8. What brought you to LMU?
The moment I stepped onto LMU's campus, I knew it was the right place for me. It was truly love at first sight.

The campus, the community, the values of the university, and everything it stood for immediately connected with me. Looking back, choosing LMU was one of the best decisions of my life.

I'm incredibly grateful for everything the university gave me, and I'm proud to continue representing LMU today.

9. What memories from LMU still stand out to you?
I have so many great memories from LMU, but one that always stands out is walking through campus and seeing the church at the end of the main walkway. It always gave me a sense of peace and reminded me that God was with me throughout my journey.

I also remember the incredible sense of community the support from teammates, coaches, professors, and fellow students. And of course, winning the first championship in program history is a memory that will stay with me forever.

LMU gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and values that continue to guide me today. I hope to remain connected to the university for many years to come and find ways to give back to a place that gave me so much.