KTTP EP. 57 | WC18 RECAPS W/ SEBASBK & AFROXANDER

With the World Cup in full swing Drew recaps how teams have done so far with the help of Seb from Sebasbk Photography and Ivan Fernandez, the Afroxander, a writer and photographer based in SoCal. Seb and Drew explore the photography in the game and how influencers, social media, and major brands have affected the business.

The guys revel in the terrible performance from Argentina and highlight Colombia’s wild route to the round of 16. Colombia are coming off a loss, an unexpected win and a narrow 1-0 over Senegal to advance—they will face England on July 3rd. Seb and Drew run down the entire line of teams and debate what could go down in knockout stages. For now, France is bland, Neymar better turn up, and Uruguay could shock everyone.

Ivan Fernandez, or Afroxander, a writer and photographer has worked with GameCrate, Remezcla LA, and LA Weekly. He talks Mexico in the World Cup, their inability to be consistent, and what a win could mean for the Hispanic population in Los Angeles. With Lozano’s goal in the 35th minute over Germany, Mexico could actually see the light and Chicharito begs them to believe. Mexico clearly has the tools, now they need consistency.

One thing we can all get behind is the World Cup’s ability to unite a nation, not under one team, but behind a love for the same sport. Seb said it best, “No matter a language barrier, soccer is a language all its own.” Oh, my heart. Hopefully you all survived doomsday, aka the one day without World Cup action. We certainly can’t wait to see what happens here at Kicks to the Pitch and we will continue to brief you on the action. Personally, I’m hoping we see a lot more of England if you know what I’m sayin’.

FLOWERS & FOOTBALL – A MATCH MADE IN ARTISTIC HEAVEN

To commemorate adidas Football’s release of the international away kits in March, Kicks to the Pitch mixed foreign with familiar.

As the Los Angeles flower market is a staple to locals, fashionable kits are a statement in soccer. To honor the tradition of each, the jerseys were paired with flowers to highlight the unique colors and designs featured from each country. Arguably the best designs in the entire drop are featured below, including Argentina, Colombia, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Russia and Spain. The colors are vibrant and bold, fresh and unexpected from adidas, with eye-catching designs that complement the traditional three stripes from the brand. The subtle details and patterns on each jersey blossomed into something beautiful with each as unique and tasteful as the last. The integrity of the kits remains the same – the country’s crest on one side and adidas’ distinguished logo on the other. The jerseys will make their appearance at the World Cup this year, which kicks off June 14th in Russia.

Check out the photos by Emily Acosta below:

#CHICKSINKITS: CHELSEA CABARCAS

For our latest #ChicksInKits feature we take it with Chelsea Cabarcas. The Colombian Women’s National Team member/TV host/model took time to  link up with our good friend Nathan Congleton for a chat and photo shoot.  Hear what Chelsea had to say about her music, style, sneakers and of course the beautiful game. Also be on the look out for more information about the Umbro lifestyle fall collection featured in the shoot.

Name: Chelsea Cabarcas 

Age: 24 

Where are you from/grow up and family nationality? I was born and raised in NYC but my father is Colombian and my mother is Dominican

What music do you have in heavy rotation right now? This is a hard one considering I love music. Right now I have been playing the new Rick Ross album “Rather You Than Me” and the new Mike Will Made It album. But then again I am the same girl that listens to Indian classical music when she’s stressed hahaha.

Favorite men’s club and National side team? Real Madrid and the men’s Colombian national team. I think I am more Colombian than Dominican but when it’s time to cook I’m definitely more Dominican. 

What is your connection to the beautiful game? I have played soccer since I was 3 years old. My dad always wanted a boy but since I am the only child he got me into all of his hobbies. I grew up going to the park on weekends to watch my dad play soccer. Now that I am older the sport completes me. I have had very high moments and extremely low moments in my career. Nothing can compare to the feeling I get when I am playing or make my time in a sprint during preseason. I am a television host/model on the side and I still haven’t experienced the same feeling or emotions I get while playing. Granted, once you get to a higher level it isn’t as easy anymore because you’re competing against girls that are as talented and athletic as you. But when you experience that high after a great game or a goal it is amazing.

If your friends were to describe you, what would they say? I needed help so I asked my friends and this is what they answered

 Chelsea’s friend, Megan: The most high pitched curly haired determined little doll one could ever come across in life

Chelsea’s friend, Lenny: A very determined individual who believes that in life not everything should be easy because the reward won’t taste as well. Never scared of taking on a new task with the mindset that it will be done. Strong minded, family oriented and a sucker for the sun and sand.

The beautiful game, when you hear that what does that mean to you? The Beautiful game is more than just a sport. Soccer has a lot of history and it brings so many people together from around the world.

What is your favorite soccer memory or moment? Definitely has to be when I got to start with the Colombian national team against Venezuela. It was after being out for 2 years and everyone telling me it was impossible to get back to that level with the Injury and complications I had.

What brands can we find in your closet? My style is very versatile. Depends how I feel that day. Im The person that wears a tutu with Air Max’s but at night will put on some open toed sandals. I’m a New Yorker so I definitely love the color black. My closet goes from Adidas to Gucci. Two completely different styles. Lately, I have been obsessed with Artizia.

So Sneakers … Love em? Hate them? Purely Functional? LOVE THEM. I love shoes period. I will spend my last dime on shoes. 

What are your favorite 3 kicks of all time? Favorite sneakers : Air Jordan 1 Retro Black/Gold, Nike Air Max 97 Silver Bullet, Nike Air max 90 “Infrared”, all white converses (couldn’t pick 3)

New York is a Mecca of Sneakers and HipHop, do you see the mesh of those two with the game in NY? Soccer players have always been into sneakers and music. I have always said athletes in general are probably the ones that listen to most music and know the lyrics to every song. Athletes listen to music while prepping for a game, practice, weights, long bus rides etc. I started seeing a lot of rappers rocking soccer jerseys or the warm up adidas pants to a club. I think it’s hilarious because I look at them like, ” uh sir. You know we wear that to like warm up in or sleep in.” Im happy to see a lot of big brands like a stussy or a supreme get some of their inspiration from the soccer world.

There is an on going debate about which city has the best food New York or LA. What do think? New York definitely has way more culture! (I still love LA though)

If you where a breakfast cereal what would it be? I dislike cereal so I can’t really choose.

Follow Chelsea: IG @chelszz

Photo credit Nathan Congleton IG: @Photonate & nathancongelton.com