'Literal Dream Come True': Loyola Students at Baltimore's International Soccer Match

The national teams for Mexico and Colombia went head-to-head in a friendly soccer match on Saturday, Sep. 26, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Almost 70,000 fans filled the stadium and city with passion and excitement as the No. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Colombia struck early, with forward Luis Suárez scoring in the ninth minute. 17-year-old Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora scored his first-ever goal for the team in the 62nd minute.

Based on the resulting wild reactions from the fans, the majority of attendees were in support of Mexico. "Watching the crowd go absolutely crazy after the Mexico goal was insanely unreal.

I saw everyone come together and scream and have an amazing time. The whole stadium blew up with excitement," Matt Rivas '28 said.

Rivas saw many fans celebrating throughout the city for this blockbuster event. He passed by vendors selling unique merchandise and food, and he also saw a giant tailgate in the parking lot that highlighted community bonds.

Rivas was only one of many fans blown away by the day's excitement. Mariana Perez '28 was moved by how the city came together to celebrate the game.

"I think Baltimore was a great place for a big event like this to happen because there are so many different cultures here, so it feels like there's something for everyone," Perez said. Perez rooted for Colombia to win because her family originates from there.

She has seen the team play before, but this game was distinctly memorable. She remarks that the game was especially fun because she sat next to fellow dedicated Colombian fans.