St. Paul’s East Side neighborhood and Minnesota United celebrated the richness of Minnesota Latinos on Saturday, August 18 at the 2018 Fiesta Latina. Minnesota United and its Academy Staff hosted an all-day clinic for everyone in attendance.

The Fiesta Latina is a free, family-friendly community coming together to celebrate Latin culture through arts, health, food and entertainment! Within Minnesota United’s melting pot of a team, ten of the team’s players hail from South American countries and are well aware how much their heritage inspires them on a daily basis. Captain Francisco Calvo, who recently made his World Cup debut with Costa Rica, finishes his signature with the initials “C.R.” as a tribute to his homeland. Daily reminders of where we come from give us a reality check on where we are now, and where we hope to be in the future. 

Minnesota United players Collen Warner and Ethan Finlay made a surprise visit during the clinic. Dribbling and shooting drills were the emphasis of the clinic. Warner and Finlay took advantage of the open field time and participated in the day’s activities. By the end of the clinic, Warner was racing attendees and both players were nutmegging and laughing with anyone who came within five yards of them.

When the clinic finally wrapped up, the players stayed to sign autographs and take pictures with fans who stopped by the Minnesota United table. Those who stopped by the booth were able to compete in a shooting competition and enter for chances to win Minnesota United tickets.