The 2024 Alianza de Futbol Tour arrived in San José to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a day filled with tradition and passion. Under a bright sun, the Morgan Hill Sports Center hosted the tour's seventh date, held on August 24 and 25, where soccer was the star, and the community united around their favorite sport.

The event attracted thousands of players for the Verizon Copa Alianza, Ford Copita Alianza, ViX Alianza Femenil, Alianza 5v5 tournaments, and the Allstate Sueño Alianza tryouts. It also brought together notable soccer figures, such as Chivas and Mexico National Team legend Carlos Salcido and San José Earthquakes players Alfredo Morales and Chance Cowell, who interacted with fans at the FORD and Chobani commercial zones. With an attendance of 22,400 people, the event stood out as one of the most significant on the local sports calendar.

Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom visited the day and joined the fans to support his son, who played in the Ford Copita Alianza tournament.

San José, home to a vibrant Hispanic community of 31% of its population, showed its passion for soccer in every corner, from the stands to the field. The city, which has witnessed memorable matches by the San José Earthquakes in the MLS, the Bay F.C. of the NWSL, and MEXTOUR matches featuring the Mexican and U.S. national teams, reaffirmed its status as a soccer stronghold in the United States.

Tournament Results:

The Verizon Copa Alianza saw the participation of 18 teams and 360 players competing in two categories. Juventus F.C. claimed the title in the open category after a tense penalty shootout, winning 4-2 against the Oaxiro/Morelia/PSG combined team. In the U23 category, Stockton TLJ FC was crowned champion after defeating Northern Nevada FC 2-1.

Meanwhile, Ford Copita Alianza brought together 1,620 players in 76 teams, awarding titles in six categories: from the U7 Traviesos to the U17 XOLITOS of San José; each match showcased youth talent and competitiveness

Women's soccer also had its moment of glory with ViX Alianza Femenil. The Salinas Soccer Femenil team repeated their 2023 feat, becoming three-time champions by defeating Sharks 2-1, taking home the trophy and a cash prize of two thousand dollars. Their dominance was evident as they led the initial phase with 12 points in four matches.

In Alianza 5v5, the excitement continued with champions across various categories: Real Zacualco, Pumitas Academy, Traviesos, and C.S. Futsal, who stood out with their victories, confirming the growth and passion for soccer at the local level.

Sueño Alianza: The Search for Talent Continues

Allstate Sueño Alianza continued its mission to discover emerging Hispanic talent in the United States. With 470 young participants, the event offered 16 direct invitations to teams in Liga MX, MLS, USL, and international selections. The competition was fierce, but several players captured the scouts' attention, including representatives from San Diego FC, Santos Laguna, Chivas, Sacramento Republic, U.S. Soccer, the Nicaraguan Federation, and Necaxa.

Vanessa Aguilar stood out among all, receiving three invitations, showcasing the potential of young female soccer talents. Santos Laguna led with six direct invitations, followed by Necaxa with five, demonstrating their interest in bolstering their squads with talent discovered at Alianza.

What's Next?

The 2024 Alianza de Futbol Tour will move to El Paso, where the eighth and final date will be held on September 7 and 8 at the Westside Soccer Complex. This final stage will be decisive, as it will determine the last qualifiers for the Sueño National Showcase, which will take place at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Tampa, with the presence of top scouts and culminating in the iconic scarf ceremony.

August 29, 2024