Children play the drums with the fans and ultras before the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama, in the parking lot outside of Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
El Salvador’s fans boost CONCACAF playoff atmosphere
El Salvador’s national soccer team played Panama in the group stages of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, in Houston, July 4. The match was held at the Shell Energy stadium which is known for its orange color. But on that day the entire stadium was blue.
Drummers play cadences as a small girl sits before the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama in the parking lot outside of Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
About five hours before the match, El Salvador’s supporters set up tailgating tents outside in the front parking lot. Fans cooked food and shared it with their fellow Salvadorans.
Two ultra members in blue wigs dance as the band plays cadences before the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama in the parking lot outside of Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
The real show began when the ultras showed up with instruments and riled up the supporters. With their unique Salvadoran chants, the crowd lit up and excitement erupted.
It was rare to see a fan that wasn't wearing blue or white as the entire outside of the stadium was filled with Salvadorans. El Salvador needed to win this game in order to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals.
El Salvador fans cheer as the ultras and bands play before the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama, inside of Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
Since there were two matches that day the doors opened at 4 p.m. Canada vs Cuba was the first of the doubleheader, yet the stadium was blue and white three hours before the El Salvador game. All around the stadium, different ultras performed chants for all the supporters.
A Fuerza 503 drummer plays for the fans before the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama, at of Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
Saul Montarosa, leader of the Fuerza 503 fan group and band, goes to every El Salvador match with the band to support his national team and has been doing so since 2012.
“Fuerza 503 is a group of Salvadoran fans who follow the national team everywhere they play, in all the competitions they play,” Montarosa said in Spanish. “We've always been based here in Houston, and we always support any Salvadoran athletic events, too.”
The crowd is seen wearing El Salvador’s blue and white colors all throughout Shell Energy Stadium before the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama, in Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
The stadium was roaring with Salvadoran chants when the match started. Four minutes into the game, Salvadorian forward Bryan Gil scored the first goal and the fans went crazy.
El Salvador fans cheer as their national team scores the first goal of the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama, at Shell Energy Stadium Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
Social media comedian Luis Alfaro, known as Luisito el mecanico, came all the way from Washington D.C. to watch his national team play.
“I’ve lived in the United States for eight years, it’s my first time in Houston. I came to obviously support my team, this is like a final for us. I hope we beat them 2-0 or 3-0 so we can qualify,” Alfaro said.
Luis Alfaro (Luisito El Mecanico) poses for a picture during the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama at of Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
“If we (advance) I’m going to Arlington — I got all my work permits authorized,” he said, jokingly.
Chants echoed around the stadium as the ultras cheered for their team. All they had to do was win to make the quarterfinals.
El Salvador fans yell at the players during CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama, at Shell Energy Stadium Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
Unfortunately for the El Salvador fans, Panama ended up scoring the next two goals making it 2-1 at the 71st minute. But that did not bring down Salvadoran fans as they still chanted for their team with the same energy they had when they were up 1-0.
In the 91st minute the ultras’ hopes were given a boost when Mayer Gil scored the tying goal. All El Salvador had to do was score one more goal, but unfortunately time ran out. They tied the game but lost at the same time as a quarterfinal berth slipped from their grasp.
A fan waves the El Salvador flag during the CONCACAF Gold Cup match between EL Salvador and Panama, at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, July 4. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
The El Salvadoran fans could still be heard chanting their team’s name as the crowd made its way home.