CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Sports fans crawled into bars to cheer on their favorite team as Mexico took on Brazil in an international friendly match Saturday.
San Diego soccer fans packed in to Novo Brazil brewery as Mexico and Brazil faced off ahead of the Copa America.
“It’s fun, you get all these people no matter who they root for - they’re part of San Diego. They come out here and you know, enjoy the atmosphere," said soccer fan, Mario Arellano.
“It was a good game it wasn’t their best game, the way they should’ve played but it’s very hopeful for the future of Mexico seeing what the young talent can do," added fan, Eddie Lopez.
Many fans say excitement over the game is a good indicator of the passion for the sport in the United States and in San Diego.
“With our proximity to the border, San Diego is actually a big soccer community and we’ve been waiting for MLS to come here. So this shows you the excitement and enthusiasm that San Diego has for soccer. It’s been a long time coming," said one soccer fan.
“This is an exciting time, I know San Diego has wanted a soccer team for a while now. We finally have it and now it’s just time to show the world what San Diego has for soccer. Finally seeing it grow bigger and bigger in the United States, it’s a good feeling," added Lopez.
“It’s growing so much, I never thought that San Diego would get a team so that finally coming true in the next year is going to be awesome," said Arellano.
The excitement is building after the recent announcement by San Diego FC to sign international soccer star and Mexican national, Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano.
“Bringing someone like Lozano who’s played in the World Cup, scored in the World Cup - it’s great not only for San Diego fan base but for the Mexico fan base as well," said Arellano.
“Big news - love Chucky can’t wait to see him, what he has to bring to San Diego. I know he’s won a championship in every team he’s played for and I expect that here as well," said Lopez.
"It just shows that we're closer to the border and the fact that we signed the Mexican national player to our team shows how much the symmetry between Mexico, the border and San Diego and the soccer community here. We can’t wait I think we’re going to have a great team and can’t wait to get started," said soccer fan, Muamba.
The San Diego FC Club kicks off its first MLS season in 2025; they will play home matches at Snapdragon Stadium.
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