1989 Los angles California , A ambitious young man , of Native American , & Mexican descent , pushes to learn the history of his culture , and experience , the tough streets of East Los angels . Angelo 18 year old an aspiring historian , & Soccer player , he struggles to be the "man of his Home", as he attempts to make a change by helping his "windowed" mother & family get through the tragic lost of his , Father Angel "Miguel" Lopez who was tragically murdered, In a drug Deal gone wrong . Angelo over comes the hardship of his friends , bitter- rivals , and the death of his father . Angelo Obtains a scholarship to travel over seas to play soccer for a national team , when he is forced to choose , between his career & his Family .