The owners of the El Paso Chihuahuas (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have already invested in pro soccer in Juarez, so it’s no surprise Southwest University Park will host a very high-profile match next month.
The match between FC Juarez, owned by Chihuahuas owners, and Monarcas Morelia of the Liga MX is schedule for Friday, October 9th at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. Monarcas Morelia (4-5) plays in the Liga MX, the premier league in Mexico. Morelia, founded in 1924, is the 2010 SuperLiga champion. More recently, Morelia won their first Copa MX title in 2013 that allowed them to participate in the first Supercopa MX edition, defeating Tigres UANL, 5-4.
“This is a great opportunity for El Pasoans to see world-class soccer and to support their neighboring team. We look forward to playing in El Paso,” said Alejandra de la Vega Foster, President of FC Juarez and part owner of MoutainStar Sports Group.
FC Juarez debuted on July 25, 2015. They are currently in fifth place in the Ascenso MX League, the second level of professional soccer in the Mexican league system, with a 4-2-2 record.
“When we envisioned a new downtown venue, we promised to host a variety of different entertainment events,” said Josh Hunt, MountainStar’s CEO. “As part of our fulfilling that commitment we are proud to bring the first soccer match to Southwest University Park.”
“It is an honor to host teams from Mexico’s premier soccer leagues here in El Paso,” said Alan Ledford, MountainStar President. “Southwest University Park is a great venue for multiple types of events and we look forward to continuing the tradition of hosting first class events.”
We’re seeing more interplay between pro baseball and pro soccer, given the increasing popularity of soccer. USL teams played out of Tulsa and Louisville ballparks this season, MLS’s New York City FC play out of Yankee Stadium, and an NASL team plays out of The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.