University hosting Copa Campeones de América

San Lorenzo de Almagro practice at FIU soccer stadium on Wednesday, Jan.14. The Argentinean team will play Colombian team Club Atlético Nacional at Ocean Bank Field on Saturday, Jan.17 at 6 p.m. Maria Soledad Lorenzino/the Beacon

By Maria Soledad Lorenzino/Photo Editor

The Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium will be hosting a different kind of football this weekend.

On Saturday, Jan.17, the University will be hosting the first Copa Campeones de América, and two South American soccer teams will be playing for the title.

Argentinian team San Lorenzo de Almagro, a soccer club based in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Flores, is considered one of the biggest clubs in Argentina, alongside River Plate and Boca Juniors.

Colombian team Club Atlético Nacional, from the city of Medellín, came to the University in July of 2014. They practiced on the intramural field as the prepared to face French team AS Monaco FC in the Copa Euroamericana at Marlin’s Park. They lost 2-4.

Leandro Romagnoli, midfielder for San Lorenzo, says students can expect to see soccer at it’s highest level.

“They are going to see two big teams who have both succeeded in many tournaments,” he said at a press conference. “Over anything else the students will experience a good game.”

Tickets range from $44 to $182, but FIU students are eligible for a 20 percent discount, according to Assistant Director of Facilities and Operations Wes Hardin.

Students will be able to purchase the discounted tickets on Friday, Jan. 16, in the Graham Center or through the ticketmaster website using a code provided by the promoter, OnSide Entertainment, Hardin said.

Doors open at 3 p.m. on Saturday with several pre game festivities, including Argentinian and Colombian food,  games and attractions, according to an email sent by Onside Entertainment.

The game begins at 6 p.m.

Juan Benedetty, a sophomore defender for the FIU men’s soccer team, hopes hosting games like this will raise interest in the University’s own soccer team.

“I hope FIU students go because that will raise interest for the sport in general,” he said. “That will lead people going to our games eventually.”

 

About the Author

Maria Lorenzino
: Photo Editor at FIUSM. BA in History. Working on a BS in Journalism, with an area of concentration in photography. Passionate about dogs, video games, photography and historically accurate films.

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