The USMNT Trio: From La Masia to Barcelona and Beyond

Three young American footballers, Adrian Gill, Diego Kochen, and Pedro Soma, are making waves at Barcelona's La Masia academy. They talk to ESPN about their journey, their styles, and their hopes for the future.

The three players - Adrian Gill, Diego Kochen, and Pedro Soma - sat down with ESPN analyst Luis García to discuss their different journeys so far, their playing styles, their hopes with and for the USMNT, their bond off the pitch as Americans abroad. Gill, from Denver, is the oldest of the three. He was also the first to sign for Barça, joining from local youth side Cornellà in 2018. A year later, Kochen (Miramar, Miami) joined him at the club. Last August, Kochen and Gill were joined at the club by Soma (Boca Raton, Miami), who has an American father and a Brazilian mother. The three joke about American sports. Gill is an NFL obsessive who supports the Denver Broncos. Kochen follows the Miami Dolphins in NFL and the Miami Heat in NBA and takes huge offence that Soma, also Miami-born, prefers the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite being American, all three could yet travel various paths in international football. Gill also has a Polish passport, Soma a Brazilian one, and Kochen has Peruvian and Venezuelan roots, the latter also sounded out by the Spanish Federation [RFEF]. Yet all three are focused on the USMNT. 'Right now in my life, I do see myself with the USA,' says Soma, who will likely take part at the Under-20 World Cup later this year. 'I've been with the national team for over three years now. I feel very, very American. I love it when I put the shirt on. I'm looking forward to making the USMNT.'

What to Read Next

Nico Williams' Barcelona Move: Latest Transfer Rumors and Summer Window Updates
Football

Nico Williams' Barcelona Move: Latest Transfer Rumors and Summer Window Updates

Stay updated with the latest transfer rumors and news as Nico Williams eyes a move to Barcelona and other major deals unfold in the summer window.

Nico Williams' Barcelona Dream: Latest Transfer Rumors and Summer Window Buzz
Football

Nico Williams' Barcelona Dream: Latest Transfer Rumors and Summer Window Buzz

Nico Williams eyes a move to Barcelona as the summer transfer window heats up with the latest rumors and deals.

USMNT's Star Absences: A Major Setback for 2026 World Cup Preparations?
Football

USMNT's Star Absences: A Major Setback for 2026 World Cup Preparations?

Explore how the absence of key players like Pulisic and McKennie might impact the USMNT's preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Key Questions for USMNT Ahead of Gold Cup Knockouts and 2026 World Cup
Football

Key Questions for USMNT Ahead of Gold Cup Knockouts and 2026 World Cup

As the USMNT heads into the Gold Cup knockouts, several critical questions remain unanswered. From goalkeeping dilemmas to midfield strategies, we explore what lies ahead for the team.

USMNT Gold Cup 2025: Rising Stars and Falling Prospects
Football

USMNT Gold Cup 2025: Rising Stars and Falling Prospects

A detailed analysis of the standout players and underperformers in the USMNT's 2025 Gold Cup campaign, focusing on their impact and future prospects.

The Overload of Soccer: Empty Seats at Club World Cup and Gold Cup Raise Questions
Football

The Overload of Soccer: Empty Seats at Club World Cup and Gold Cup Raise Questions

Exploring the reasons behind the low attendance at the Club World Cup and Gold Cup, and what it means for the future of soccer in the U.S.

USMNT's Flawless Gold Cup Group Stage: A Prelude to Greater Challenges
Football

USMNT's Flawless Gold Cup Group Stage: A Prelude to Greater Challenges

The USMNT showcased a strong group stage performance in the 2025 Gold Cup, setting the stage for tougher knockout rounds.

The Evolution of USMNT: Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Soccer
Football

The Evolution of USMNT: Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Soccer

Exploring the complexities and growing pains of the USMNT as it transitions into a global soccer powerhouse.

Chris Richards' Heroic Goal Secures USMNT's Quarterfinal Spot in Gold Cup
Football

Chris Richards' Heroic Goal Secures USMNT's Quarterfinal Spot in Gold Cup

Chris Richards' decisive goal led the USMNT to a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, securing their place in the Gold Cup quarterfinals despite a lackluster offensive performance.

Summer Transfer Window 2025: Key Moves and Rumors in European Football
Football

Summer Transfer Window 2025: Key Moves and Rumors in European Football

Explore the latest updates and rumors from the 2025 summer transfer window, featuring key moves involving Napoli, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Manchester United.

Exciting Showdown: USMNT vs Saudi Arabia in Gold Cup Group Stage - Live Coverage
Football

Exciting Showdown: USMNT vs Saudi Arabia in Gold Cup Group Stage - Live Coverage

Catch the thrilling match between USMNT and Saudi Arabia in the Gold Cup group stage. Live updates and key moments from Q2 Stadium, Austin.

Joan García's Impact on Barcelona: A New Era in Goalkeeping
Football

Joan García's Impact on Barcelona: A New Era in Goalkeeping

Joan García's move to Barcelona could redefine the club's goalkeeping strategy, potentially displacing long-time No. 1 Marc-André ter Stegen.

Manchester United and Barcelona Eye Key Transfers: Hudson-Odoi and Díaz in the Spotlight
Football

Manchester United and Barcelona Eye Key Transfers: Hudson-Odoi and Díaz in the Spotlight

Manchester United and Barcelona are actively pursuing key transfers, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Luis Díaz at the center of their plans. Stay updated with the latest transfer news and rumors.

USMNT Revitalizes Confidence with Dominant Gold Cup Opener, Eyes Future Challenges
Football

USMNT Revitalizes Confidence with Dominant Gold Cup Opener, Eyes Future Challenges

The USMNT's commanding 5-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago marks a turning point, setting the stage for upcoming challenges in the Gold Cup.

Malik Tillman Leads USMNT to Dominant Gold Cup Victory Over Trinidad and Tobago
Football

Malik Tillman Leads USMNT to Dominant Gold Cup Victory Over Trinidad and Tobago

Malik Tillman's stellar performance propels the USMNT to a commanding 5-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago in the 2025 Gold Cup opener.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.