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
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Find Out If Saturday’s $1.5 Billion Powerball Jackpot Has a Winner

WASHINGTON — The Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to an impressive $1.5 billion,…
Australian immigrant who tackled gunman 'riddled with bullets,' but 'said he’d do it again,' lawyer says

Heroic Act at Bondi Beach: Fundraiser for Brave Australian Who Foiled Terrorist Attack Soars Past $2.6M

Over $2.6 million has been collected to support a man hailed as…
Inside the Reiners' tragic last supper with famous friend

Heartbreaking Final Dinner: Reiners Share Emotional Evening with Iconic Friend

Just days before tragedy struck the household of director Rob Reiner and…
Dec. 21 marks the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere

December 21: Northern Hemisphere Experiences Its Shortest Day of the Year

This year’s winter solstice brings with it some fascinating celestial phenomena worth…
Charlie Kirk fans pose for selfies at recreation of murder location

Controversy Erupts as Charlie Kirk Fans Turn Crime Scene into Selfie Spot

Supporters of Charlie Kirk have been capturing selfies at what seems to…
Cheater Texas AG breaks cover with his married mistress

Scandal Unveiled: Texas AG’s Secret Affair with Married Mistress Exposed

Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, who is married, has recently…
City of Chicago budget vote: City Council passes alternative plan without corporate head tax, but Mayor Brandon Johnson can veto

Chicago City Council Approves Alternative Budget Plan Excluding Corporate Head Tax; Awaits Potential Veto from Mayor Brandon Johnson

The Chicago City Council has approved a budget plan for 2026, but…
Anna Kepner's final moments captured before she was found dead

Tragic Discovery: Final Moments of Anna Kepner Revealed Before Mysterious Death

A fellow passenger on the cruise ship where 18-year-old Anna Kepner was…