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From playing in São Paulo with Casemiro to winning the MLS CUP under Tata Martino
Description
Herc sat down with Greg Garza, a true US soccer product, as he recounts the sacrifice of leaving Dallas at 12 to learn the Brazilian flair at Sao Paulo's Academy, and shares details of the mindset required to make it pro at 16 in Sporting Lisbon, where everything was based on Cristiano Ronaldo's discipline.
Greg opens up about embracing his Mexican American identity after his European stint, culminating in a Liga MX title with Xolos—El Equipo Sin Fronteras—and details his inspiring comeback from a career-threatening hip injury to find glory with Atlanta United under Gerardo 'Tata' Martino. Now, after his retirement, he enjoys his days through his new project, Beyond Goals Mentorship, where he teaches youth the key personality traits of a professional player: confidence, leadership, and resilience.
00:00 - COMING UP (VAMOS w/ Greg Garza).
01:01 - Defining the Brazilian Ginga, and Growing up in Texas.
04:12 - A "True US Soccer Product".
07:12 - The Duality of Being Mexican-American.
09:19 - 24/7 Athlete lifestyle in São Paulo while still a kid.
12:17 - 2007 U-17 World Cup, and Competing against Toni Kroos.
14:57 - Sporting CP Academy.
22:23 - Playing in Portugal's Second Division.
25:07 - Winning Liga MX with Xolos.
32:25 - Atlanta United rises to the MLS Cup Title
38:59 - Gerardo 'Tata' Martino
40:52 - USMNT Experience
46:19 - What are Santi Gimenez's chances of playing in this World Cup?
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