US Soccer Fans Rally Behind América De Cali After Shocking Loss To Bucaramanga
Colombian soccer club América de Cali suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat against Atlético Bucaramanga on Thursday night, sparking widespread reactions among US-based fans. The match, part of Colombia's top-tier Liga BetPlay, saw Bucaramanga overturn a halftime deficit with two late goals in front of a raucous home crowd at Estadio Alfonso López.
The upset is trending among American soccer enthusiasts due to América de Cali's growing US fanbase and the dramatic nature of the loss. Many supporters took to social media to express shock after Bucaramanga's 87th-minute winner from forward Sherman Cárdenas, who capitalized on a defensive error.
América de Cali, one of Colombia's most storied clubs with 15 league titles, has gained traction in US markets through recent international friendlies and streaming accessibility. The team features several players familiar to American audiences, including former MLS midfielder Andrés Ricaurte.
The loss drops América to fifth in the league table, complicating their path to the playoffs. Bucaramanga, meanwhile, climbs to third place in a surprise early-season surge. Colombian-American communities in Miami, New York, and Houston were particularly vocal about the result on social media platforms.
Thursday's match drew attention to Colombia's increasingly competitive domestic league, which has seen rising US viewership since 2024 through streaming deals with FuboTV and Paramount+. The upset comes as CONMEBOL considers expanding Copa Libertadores spots for Colombian teams.
América de Cali will look to rebound next Wednesday against Junior de Barranquilla in a nationally televised match expected to draw strong US viewership. The club's international fan engagement director confirmed plans for additional US preseason tours in 2027 to capitalize on growing interest.
Soccer analysts note the result highlights Bucaramanga's improved recruitment under coach Rafael Dudamel, a former Venezuela national team manager. The club's Cinderella run has become one of the early talking points of the Colombian season.
