Soccer fever heads to Fresno, as Valley FC hosts C.D. FAS at McLane Stadium on Friday
While the two closest FIFA World Cup venues are three to four hours away from Fresno, it doesn’t mean Fresno soccer fans can’t experience some international soccer excitement this week in their own backyard.
Valley FC will play Friday evening against the 20-time First Division champions from El Salvador, C.D. FAS in an international friendly match at McLane stadium, 2727 N Cedar Ave. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our club and our players,” said Milton Blanco, head coach of Valley FC in a statement. “Matches like these are about more than competition. They allow our players to test themselves against top-level professionals and showcase their abilities on a larger stage.”
The Salvadoran soccer club C.D. FAS is one of El Salvador’s most decorated clubs and one of the most historic soccer clubs in Central American.
Organizers said international friendly games aim to celebrate the region’s passion for soccer and the strong connection between the Central Valley and the Salvadoran community.
While the highest concentration of Salvadorans in California is in the Los Angeles area, the Central Valley has become a major hub. According to the U.S. Census, Fresno County is home to nearly 12,000 Salvadorans and the city of Mendota is often referred to as “Little El Salvador” due to its large demographic of Salvadoran business owners and farmworkers. And El Salvador opened a consulate in Fresno to serve the Central Valley booming immigrant population.
Nehemias Blanco, president of NNB Event Productions said Friday’s game would provide local fans with “top-level professional soccer experiences.”
A meet and greet with Club Deportivo FAS and Valley FC players is schedule for Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. as part of a free community Independence Day Celebration event at 887 Fulton Street in downtown Fresno.
If you go:
- Valley FC vs. C.D. FAS (El Salvador)
- Friday at McLane Stadium (2727 N Cedar Ave,) with 7 p.m. Kickoff
- Tickets available through Ticketon website. General Admission $23.50 including fees.
