Goal! The Dream Begins

Inspired by a true story, “Goal! The Dream Begins” is a rags-to-riches tale concerning Santiago Muñez (Kuno Becker), a young Mexican residing in Los Angeles who lives, sleeps, eats and breathes soccer. His blunt father would rather see him stop wasting his time and dedicate himself to the family business, but Santiago just wants to play soccer. Like millions of kids around the world, Santiago harbors the dream of being a professional footballer. However, living in the Barrios section of Los Angeles, he thinks it is only that – a dream. Santiago’s talent is noticed during a local game when he’s spotted by a former Newcastle player on holiday. Glen (Stephen Dillane) likes what he sees and tries to convince Santiago to go to England, promising him that he will arrange a tryout if he turns up. After some familial obstacles, Santiago gets the opportunity to go to England and try out for this premier football team. But being illegal in the U.S., if he does not make it, he will not be able to return to Los Angeles.

This is a heartwarming, inspirational tale of one man’s struggle to become something more. Despite the obstacles and the disapproval of his father (Tony Plana), he goes for the goal only to find that it is not going to be that easy after all. Santiago arrives in a world that is virtually unknown to him. He has to keep secrets about himself in order to fit in because most expect him to fail. Some will even try to make him fail. Santiago, hardly impressive at the tryout, finds the rough-and-tumble of English football hard to take, and his dream of being a professional footballer looks like it’s about to die. But a couple of teammates and staff who recognize his ...