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

Hill’s Heated Debate on SAVE America Act Continues into Second Week

The Senate’s extensive deliberation over the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America)…

US Central Command Confirms Iran Campaign Progress: ‘Ahead or On Plan’ Says Leader

The leading officer of the U.S. military’s Central Command has stated that…

Upcoming Weather Shift: Rainy Conditions to Give Way to Rising Temperatures

The night ahead promises calm weather, with temperatures dipping into the 50s.…

Individuals Turn to ‘Nature Bathing’ for Relief from Overwhelming News Cycle

RALEIGH, N.C. – Seeking an escape from global tensions and soaring gas…

Greek Train Crash Trial Begins: Seeking Justice for 57 Lives Lost, Including Many Students

LARISSA – The trial commenced on Monday in Greece, concerning the catastrophic…

Trump Warns of Strong Action Against Iran if Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

Just a day after suggesting that the United States might be “winding…

US Airports Boost Immigration Officer Presence Amid Travel Delays and Frustrated Screeners

WASHINGTON – In a bid to alleviate lengthy security lines at U.S.…