Over the weekend, children and young people experienced an authentic sports celebration in Illinois as part of the fourth date of the 2023 Alianza de Fútbol Tour. Soccer enthusiasts competed in the four tournaments of the Tour: Ford Copita Alianza, Verizon Copa Alianza, and Alianza 5v5, all aiming to become champions of the current season.

Additionally, the Allstate Sueño Alianza scouting program registered the participation of more than 500 talented young individuals, all seeking an opportunity in professional soccer.

This stage marks the circuit's midpoint, culminating with the National Showcase in Phoenix. The traditional scarf ceremony will take place during the showcase, with the presence of numerous professional scouts from Liga MX, MLS, and the national teams of Mexico and the United States.

The Stuart Sports Complex was the epicenter of the action, with an enthusiastic crowd enjoying each of the competitions and the honor of having Jared Borgetti, the second-highest goal scorer in the history of the Mexican National Soccer Team, in attendance. With each passing date, the Alianza de Fútbol organization works diligently to provide the best event possible, establishing itself as the most recognized circuit for the Hispanic community in the United States.

Chicago received the visit of scouts from Mexican Liga MX clubs (Pachuca, Toluca, and Necaxa), MLS clubs from the United States (Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, Chicago Fire), and the US Soccer national team, all searching for the best talents. In the ViX Alianza Femenil category, the Morelia team was crowned champion after defeating Jerez FC 2-0, securing their fourth consecutive title.

On the other hand, ATL Nacional claimed the title in the Verizon Copa Alianza, beating Aztlan FC 4-1 in the grand final, achieving back-to-back championships.

The ViX Alianza Femenil category also attracted the attention of scouts, who recruited a player from Atlético Morelia and another from Boca Juniors. This team also participated in the tournament.

The Ford Copita Alianza was a resounding success among fans, with 1,368 participants distributed among 84 teams, becoming one of the weekend's main attractions.

Below is the list of winners in different categories:

• U7: Dreamers Boca Juniors won 2-1.
• U9: Mayas FC won 4-1 (in penalties after a 1-1 draw).
• U11: Mayas triumphed 3-2.
• U13: Chicago Arsenal dominated 4-0.
• U15: Brasileños prevailed 2-1.
• U16 G: En Fuego FC won 4-0.
• U17: Futboleros defeated 2-0.
• U19: AT Eagles won 4-3.
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• As for Alianza 5v5, the most important flash tournament for the Hispanic community in the United States, it had the participation of 288 young players divided into 42 teams, figures that exceeded expectations in this fourth stage.

The winners in Alianza 5v5 were:

• U8: Dep. Juniors won 2-2 (3-2 on penalties).
• U10: Triad Soccer triumphed 6-0.
• U12: Chicago Street prevailed 15-1.
• U14: La Piedad defeated 3-2.
• U16: Wheeling FC won 4-2.

The Allstate Sueño Alianza scouting received a full registration and the presence of 527 young players who were evaluated by different professional scouts:

• Israel López (Toluca),
• José Viay (Pachuca),
• Cole Bushue (Chicago Fire),
• Jorge Tello (Necaxa),
• Cristina Murillo (US Soccer)
• Matt Hayes (Real Salt Lake)
• Rafa Calderón (Columbus Crew)
• Brendan Eitz (Sporting Kansas City).

Two young players from the state of Illinois, Dacian Delgado and Alvin Hernández, received the respective scarves that will take them to the National Showcase, as well as invitations from clubs with direct passes.

Delgado was also invited by Pachuca, Columbus Crew, and Real Salt Lake, while Hernández received offers from Pachuca and Toluca. In total, 17 direct invitations were extended in Chicago by the scouts: Pachuca (7), Columbus Crew (1), Toluca and Necaxa (4), Real Salt Lake (1). Additionally, two invitations were awarded to ACCESS U Foundation, allowing young players to combine education with college sports; the lucky recipients were Braelynn Galt from Channahon, IL, and Ivana Vukas from West Springs.

Everything is set in the Big Apple to receive the fifth stage of the Tour, which will take place on August 5 and 6.

July 26, 2023