ANNAPOLIS, MD - On Tuesday, June 23rd, six-time Liga MX champion Santos Laguna visited USL League Two side Annapolis Blues FC at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The amateurs held their own in the friendly, giving up a goal in the 28th when the young Paraguayan forward Diego Gonzalez broke through.

Annapolis created a few opportunities of their own but gave up a second goal to the visitors in green when Argentinian Lucas Di Yorio bagged number two for Santos Laguna. Photographer Shawn Payne, on assignment for Protagonist Soccer, was able to capture the action.

When asked about the visit, Steven Hooper said, on behalf of the Blues “We are incredibly excited to welcome Santos Laguna to Annapolis for this historic international match. To host a club with such a rich tradition and passionate fanbase is a tremendous opportunity for our organization, our players, and our community. Annapolis has become one of the premier soccer destinations in the country, and we’re proud to showcase our city, our supporters, and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on an international stage.”

Santos Laguna went on to visit USL League One professionals, NY Cosmos, just days later and posted a second international friendly win. Aldo Alberto Avila Ramirez, Director of Communication for CD Santos Laguna, told us “First, Club Santos and Orlegi Sports, the ownership group behind the club, have always placed a strong focus on engaging with the U.S. market. Our presence in the United States has been consistent over the years through preseason camps, friendly matches, and various visits, as well as participation in international competitions such as Leagues Cup, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and other tournaments held in the U.S.”

He went on, “Specifically, this preseason trip is also connected to the recent partnership between Orlegi Sports and Coppermine, which I'm sure you're already familiar with. Beyond providing us with the opportunity to work and train at these outstanding facilities, this partnership is focused on creating meaningful development opportunities for children and young athletes.” Based on this information, we can expect even more US-based clubs at this level to play host to the legendary outfit from Mexico and we are already looking forward to 2027’s announcements.

written by Joshua Duder
photos by Shawn Payne