Alejandro Rivera, president of Goals for Life, the Phoenix nonprofit that uses soccer to bring health, education and opportunity to Arizona families, published an opinion column in the Glendale Independent (Independent Newsmedia / yourvalley.net) on October 1, 2026.
Written ahead of the U.S. men’s national team vs. Mexico match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on October 3, the column looks at the rivalry between the two countries as something that, in the end, brings families together. Rivera describes Mexican-American families in the Valley who belong to both places at once, and invites even people who don’t follow soccer to experience a full stadium singing two anthems back to back.
That idea is at the heart of Goals for Life: One Team. One Goal. A Celebration for Everyone. Soccer is the meeting point for families, clubs, companies and allies across Arizona.
Read the full column: “U.S. vs. Mexico: ‘War’ that ends at final whistle in Glendale” — Glendale Independent
En español
Alejandro Rivera, presidente de Goals for Life, publicó una columna de opinión en el Glendale Independent el 1 de octubre de 2026, antes del partido Estados Unidos vs. México en Glendale. En ella habla de cómo el fútbol une a las familias mexicoamericanas del Valle, que pertenecen a dos lugares a la vez. Un Equipo. Un Gol. Una Celebración para Todos.
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