The Stuarts Sports Complex in Chicago hosted the fourth date of the 2024 Alianza de Futbol Tour, an event that attracted more than 25,000 fans over the weekend. This marked the midway point of the tour in its twentieth edition.

Chicago's mild weather allowed for two days of intense soccer activity. Competitors participated in the Verizon Copa Alianza, ViX Alianza Femenil, Ford Copita Alianza, and the Allstate Sueño Alianza tryouts on each field.

Founded in 2004 to promote soccer development within the Hispanic community in the United States, Alianza de Futbol has become a pillar of amateur soccer in the country. For twenty years, it has provided opportunities for players of all ages and genders to showcase their talent, foster healthy competition, and create gathering points for the Hispanic community through sports. 

Chicago, a city with a high Hispanic presence (over 819,000 people, 30% of the population), once again demonstrated its passion for soccer at this event. It was one of the tour's favorites, with nearly total attendance at almost all competitions.

 This year, the event expanded its commercial area, where fans participated in activities organized by sponsors Verizon and Ford. Verizon introduced a new activation, and Omar Bravo visited the Ford stand to interact with attendees.

In the U23 category of the Verizon Copa Alianza, Futboleros were crowned champions in an exciting final decided by penalties, winning 7-6 against La Joya Michoacán after a 2-2 draw in regular time. This competition featured 80 players divided into four teams.

ViX Alianza Femenil saw Club Morelia crowned champions, securing their fifth title in Chicago after defeating Indiana Hammond 1-0 in the final. This tournament brought together 120 players in six teams and featured Chandra Marie Eigenberg, a former player for Pumas UNAM in Liga MX Femenil.

Ford Copita Alianza had an intense competition with ten champions in various categories, featuring 2,232 children and youth divided into 124 teams. The results were as follows:

• U7: Juniors FC defeated Cadence SFC 2017 2-0

• U8: Raiders defeated Sporting United 2-1

• U9: Raiders FC thrashed Strikers O'Hare 6-2

• U10: Chicago Rush South thrashed Warriors FC 5-0

• U11: Deportivo 59 FC defeated Chicago Rush South 2013 1-0

• U12: Raiders thrashed Addison United 7-0

• U13: FC Arsenal defeated Warriors FC 1-0

• U15: Sueño FC B won 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw against Sueño FC

• U17: Futboleros defeated San Antonio 3-0

• U19: Deportivo Arandas defeated Tsunami 3-1

Allstate Sueño Alianza, known for offering scouting opportunities in Mexico and the United States, recorded a registration record compared to previous editions in the city, with 589 aspirants. These players showcased their talents before scouts from teams like Pachuca, Sporting Kansas City, and the national teams of Mexico and the United States. Seven invitations were awarded to standout players, with the National Showcase being the primary recipient with three invitations:

• Victoria Polanco: Access U and Pachuca

• Angen Daniel Rosas: National Showcase and Pachuca

• Braelynn Gait: National Showcase

• Emerson Giron: Access U

• Adrián Rentería: National Showcase

The 2024 Alianza de Futbol Tour will continue on August 3 and 4 at Randall's Island Park in New York City. It will feature events such as the Verizon Copa Alianza U23, Ford Copita Alianza (U7, U9, U11, U13, and U19), ViX Alianza Femenil, and Allstate Sueño Alianza.

July 24, 2024