Soccer players in L.A. are staying connected with soccer virtually through EA Sports. Soccer players are active during quarantine, not out on the field but at home playing the video game “FIFA 20.”
Oxnard Guerreros FC, a men’s soccer club in Oxnard, California has played live broadcasts of “FIFA 20” games on Twitch, a streaming website since the stay-at-home order.
The social media manager of Oxnard Guerreros FC, Gustavo Portillo from Glendora said in a phone interview on May 21 the stay-at-home order “ironically” made it a very great thing for him.
Oxnard Guerreros FC was supposed to compete in the National Premier Soccer League and U.S. Pro Development Soccer League, but due to COVID-19 all outdoor activity was cancelled.
“It’s been very frustrating not having any contact with the ball or players during this time,” Portillo said.
Portillo adapted to the team’s new changes. He is now the Esports operator, the person who manages virtual games and a scout for soccer players in L.A. He scouts players from home since COVID-19 continues to be an issue that resulted into a stay-at-home order.
Soccer players and other athletes need activities to do while in quarantine. So, Portillo and other social media managers created a tournament for the men and women of all ages to participate in on Xbox and PlayStation 4 Esports games.
Portillo also played and organized “FIFA 20” live games.
“I am very grateful I did not lose my job and that technology actually helped me be able to work from home,” Portillo said.“Yes, the world is not OK right now and families are losing their loved ones but I would have lost a job and through God’s prayers I was able to attain a new position in my team.”
Many soccer players participated in the viral Instagram challenge, the #ToiletPaperChallange. This challenge consists of doing several foot juggles while not wasting toilet paper.
A “Classico-Derby” in Los Angeles, L.A. Galaxy and LAFC were supposed to occur on April 18. But, Major Soccer League postponed its tournament because of the virus.
L.A. Galaxy and LAFC played the derby virtually in FIFA to give soccer fans their fix. L.A. Galaxy was represented by Mexican player Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. LAFC was represented by Norwegian player Adama Diomande. LAFC beat L.A. Galaxy in the game 2-1.
The games are different for fans since they’re used to being at stadiums celebrating the team’s win. The Esports games are broadcast on regular TV for sports fans to see. The players are then on the screen with the gameplay.
FIFA 20 has helped soccer teams, fans to stay connected and continue to enjoy the sport they love.
On May 17, Fox Deportes hosted the first MLS Esports championship between Atlanta United and Sporting Kansas City. Atlanta dominated 7-3 to capture the top prize in a 16-team FIFA 20 tournament to support hunger relief.
“Most guys who play FIFA don’t even play soccer on a daily basis,” Portillo said.“FIFA is for anyone.”
