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
Chicago Police Department holds annual 'Brunch en Blanc' in Bronzeville for families of loved ones lost to violence

The Chicago Police Department Hosts Annual ‘Brunch en Blanc’ in Bronzeville for Families Impacted by Violence Losses

CHICAGO (WLS) — For the fourth year, the Chicago Police Department hosted…
I have history with Colin Firth's ex-wife Livia

My Past Connection with Colin Firth’s Former Wife, Livia

‘Isn’t it challenging, dealing with her being Italian and everything? Doesn’t the…
Weather Impact Alert: Tropical system could bring impacts to Jax Beach Monday

Warning: Tropical System May Affect Jacksonville Beach on Monday

Outer bands could move onshore Sunday night into Monday, which could occasionally…
Michigan church shooting: Multiple people shot at Mormon church, building on fir

Shooting at Michigan Mormon Church: Multiple People Injured, Building Set Ablaze

The church, which is about 50 miles north of Detroit, appeared to…
Brennan on Trump prosecution threats: ‘I’m not going to be intimidated’

Brennan on Trump’s Legal Threats: ‘I Refuse to Be Intimidated’

Former CIA Director John Brennan said Saturday he would not be intimidated…
Texas Tech tells faculty to revise instruction, recognize only 2 sexes in classrooms

Texas Tech tells faculty to revise instruction, recognize only 2 sexes in classrooms

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Texas Tech University System…
Disgraced Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky launches appeal

Disgraced Former Penn State Coach Jerry Sandusky Initiates Appeal

More than a decade after facing conviction for sexual assault and grooming…
Trump summons four lawmakers to White House showdown as shutdown looms

Trump Calls Urgent Meeting with Four Lawmakers at White House as Government Shutdown Threatens

Donald Trump has called on four congressional leaders for a White House…