Share this @internewscast.com

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Luna Rios-Cruz trains for soccer with fancy footwork and pure focus. Now 17, she’s been playing soccer since she was a young kid. Most recently she’s played with Portland Street Soccer, the non-profit that uses the game to fight poverty and connect low-income kids with meaningful opportunities.

“I feel like it can bring anyone together,” Rios-Cruz told local affiliate KOIN. “No matter what the background is, or no matter what, soccer is a good way to have that bond and have that chemistry with those people.”

On this night, she was playing in a soccer tournament on the rooftop of Industry One — two players per team with the city as a backdrop.

  • A rooftop soccer event was held at Industry One, 415 SW 10th in Portland, August 5, 2025 (KOIN)
  • A rooftop soccer event was held at Industry One, 415 SW 10th in Portland, August 5, 2025 (KOIN)
  • A rooftop soccer event was held at Industry One, 415 SW 10th in Portland, August 5, 2025 (KOIN)
  • A rooftop soccer event was held at Industry One, 415 SW 10th in Portland, August 5, 2025 (KOIN)

Portland Street Soccer teamed with Industry One, 415 SW 10th, to bring the game from the streets to the roof in a celebration of Soccer City. Julian Alexander, the director for Portland Street Soccer, is turning that passion into a platform.

“Basically if you want to play soccer we’re going to try and find a way for you to do it for free,” Alexander said. “It is so amazing to be able to bring all of those different people, all those kids, together.”

Though it looked like a rooftop party, the event was actually part of a larger art exhibit called Groundbreakers. The free Groundbreakers exhibition, which runs through mid-September, celebrates Portland’s unique soccer culture through art, storytelling and community events.

It highlights 3 key areas: fandom, soccer innovation and the city’s grassroots scene.

“I think it’s important that we celebrate the city,” Groundbreakers Art Director Pete Hoppins said. “We don’t do that enough.”

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a street player or just love Portland, Groundbreakers is where soccer meets soul.

“The city,” Alexander said, “really shows up for soccer.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

FedEx Pledges to Pass On Trump Tariff Refunds to Customers, Boosting Consumer Confidence

NEW YORK – FedEx announced on Thursday its commitment to refund any…

Virginia Senate Moves to Eliminate Billion-Dollar Tax Break for Data Centers, Sparking Economic Debate

Virginia’s data centers could soon face new financial obligations, as recent developments…

Daytona Beach Police Report: 8-Year-Old Detained for Allegedly Brandishing Firearm in Park Incident

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Authorities in Daytona Beach took an 8-year-old boy…

Empowering Black Fathers: Essential Resources to Support Pregnant Partners Through Birth

INDIANAPOLIS – As JaKobi Burton gently holds his newborn daughter in their…

Tusculum University Invites the Public to Explore the Future of AI at Upcoming Summit

Tusculum University is set to host the Appalachian AI Summit, inviting community…

Traffic Alert: Major Delays on Interstate 26 in Gray Following Morning Crash

A traffic incident involving multiple vehicles caused significant delays on Interstate 26…

Mexico’s Disappeared: A City’s Silent Protest and Families’ Fight Against Erasure

GUADALAJARA – In Mexico’s bustling second-largest city, the streets tell a poignant…

Kansas Overturns Over 1,000 Transgender Residents’ Driver’s Licenses and Birth Certificates

On Thursday, a new Kansas law came into effect, which nullifies amendments…

Atlanta Hawks to Host Magic City Tribute Night Featuring Lemon Pepper Wings, T.I., and Exclusive Merchandise

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks are gearing up for an intriguing event…

Sweden Thwarts Potential Russian Drone Amid French Aircraft Carrier’s Arrival

STOCKHOLM – Swedish military forces have intercepted what they suspect to be…