Founding Futbol
Extra Time: Connecting with Kellyn Acosta
Published: 10 April 2025 at 09:00 Europe/London
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Episode notes
Kellyn Acosta was a key member of the US Men's National Team that qualified for and then played in the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar. His journey to that tournament, and significance of his participation, is unique to the story of soccer in America.
Acosta was born in Dallas, Texas and joined he FC Dallas youth system in 2009. He worked his way through the Development Academy, then onto the senior team in 2013. He emerged as a regular on the FC Dallas team and became recognized as a rising star in the US Soccer ecosystem. He finally broke through with the US Men's National Team in 2016, at a time of transition. The team was unsuccessful in its efforts to qualify for the World Cup; then a legendary group of veterans was transitioning out of the program and a young group introduced rapidly into the first team. Kellyn was part of that group and experienced the ebbs and flows of the transition before ultimately being a key contributor in the Qualifying cycle.
He is the son of a Japanese father and an African American Mother. When he earned a roster spot for the 2022 World Cup, Kellyn became the first Asian American man to appear for the United States in a World Cup.
He has played 11 seasons in the MLS and is an MLS Cup winner with LAFC. Kellyn currently is a member of Chicago Fire FC. He talks about his story on the show
Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America.
Visit our website for more information: FoundingFutbol.com. Email us at kent@foundingfutbol.com
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Host: Kent Malmros
Guest: Kellyn Acosta (MLS and USMNT Player)
