As Major League Soccer expands, the face of soccer in the United States is also changing. There are 16 countries represented on DC United alone.
7News spoke to two players, one with roots in the Dominican Republic the other was born in Mexico. They shared how the international sport of soccer helped shape their lives.
“I was 6 years old when I started kicking around a soccer ball. For me it was always a ball instead of toys,” Defender Tony Alfaro said.
Alfaro is in his 6th season as a professional soccer player. This is his first year with DC United. Born in Mexico, Alfaro said his passion for the sport is rooted in his family history.
“They are super proud. Back in Mexico, I’m from a small town so not a lot of opportunities, not a lot of kids making it out. So, I think for my family and it’s something big because for us it’s one of those things if one person makes it we all make it as a community,” Alfaro explained.
DC United hosted a Noche Latina-themed match to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. Cultural pride was on full display. Alfaro and midfielder Kevin Paredes said they were thrilled to represent.
“I realized I was different than most kids my age, you know, families have always been here classic Americans, just being different it had a little toll on me at first but I truly embraced it,” Paredes said. The 18-year-old from Loudon County, Virginia has Dominican roots. He is having a breakout season after two years on the team.
As teams become more diverse so are the fans. The wave of change impacts coaching staff as well. This is Hernan Losada’s first year as head coach of DC United.
For more Hispanic Heritage Month features, click here.