Share and Follow

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
West Wing star Timothy Busfield SURRENDERS to New Mexico cops

West Wing Actor Timothy Busfield Voluntarily Turns Himself into New Mexico Authorities

Actor Timothy Busfield has turned himself in to authorities in New Mexico…
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reveal what they DON'T like

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Share Surprising Dislikes: Hollywood Icons Open Up

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon recently shared insights into their enduring friendship…
Harvey news: Mayor misses Harvey City Council's first meeting in months as financial crisis continues, frustrating residents

Harvey Mayor Absent from Key City Council Meeting Amid Ongoing Financial Struggles, Leaving Residents Frustrated

The city of Harvey, Illinois, convened its City Council meeting on Monday…
Why internet sleuths believe AOC will run for president

Speculation Soars: Internet Sleuths Predict AOC’s Potential 2024 Presidential Bid

Rumors are swirling that Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could be eyeing a presidential…
Where are The Thorn Birds cast now?

The Current Lives of The Thorn Birds Cast Members

The 1980s brought us “The Thorn Birds,” a miniseries that captivated audiences…
Celine Dion reveals must-have purse essentials — including a microphone to sing on cue

Celine Dion Unveils Her Purse Essentials, Featuring a Microphone for Impromptu Performances

Celine Dion’s handbag is a delightful mix of unexpected essentials: a microphone,…
Bears game time Sunday: Chicago Bears to take on Los Angeles Rams in NFL playoffs at Soldier Field at 5:30 p.m.

Chicago Bears vs. LA Rams: Sunday Showdown at Soldier Field – 5:30 PM NFL Playoff Clash

CHICAGO (WLS) — The city of Chicago is abuzz following the Bears’…
Iran is now slaughtering civilians who aren't involved in anti-regime protests, witnesses warn -- as death toll surges into the thousands

Iran Escalates Civilian Deaths Amidst Rising Tensions: Witnesses Report Surge in Non-Protester Casualties

The Iranian regime, notorious for its brutality, is reportedly targeting civilians uninvolved…