I had the pleasure of speaking to Andy de la Rosa, owner and de facto coach of Azteca FC 5280 based in Denver, Colorado. I was briefed by De la Rosa about the club, it’s humble beginnings, and the league structure of amateur soccer in Denver.
Azteca FC 5280 was established in 2005 after the Aztec Corporation, a wall and stucco plastering company, entrusted De la Rosa with the creation and management of a soccer team. Initially competing in what he describes as the 3rd Division of Amateur soccer in Colorado, the team faced a challenging start. De la Rosa vividly recalls their early seasons marked by substantial losses, referring to them as 'goleadas.' Recognizing the unsustainable nature of these setbacks considering the investment, De la Rosa initiated a shift by focusing on recruiting talent.
“We would usually contact one person on a team and then ask if they had any friends that could join. And then those friends’ friends and that’s how we began.”
De la Rosa stressed to me the importance of recruitment and the impact it has for amateur teams. Unlike professional clubs who can exchange monetary assets, most players in amateur float around and go team to team. This revelation would eventually lead to Azteca’s steady trajectory towards their top spot in the amateur circuit. Azteca would win in their leagues and would regularly start competing in US Open Cup Tournament in 2014. Some players he’s managed to scout and bring on to the team included players from the local development academies of Colorado Rush, Real, and/or the Colorado Rapids. Some also come from notable clubs in Mexico. Their captain, Oscar Montoya, came from Mexican giants Tigres UANL.
In the last nine years since Azteca have began competing in the tournament, they’ve only been eliminated from qualification just twice, once in 2019 and recently in 2022. de la Rosa also boasts to me the fact the side never been eliminated from the competition at the hands of anothaer Colorado amateur team effectively making them undefeated against the local region.
In recent times, considerable attention has been drawn to the US Open Cup. Particularly noteworthy was the announcement of MLS Clubs withdrawing from the competition, intending to field their MLS Next Pro academy teams instead. This decision faced rightful scrutiny and considerable pushback from fans online. De la Rosa reveres the Open Cup, describing it as 'un torneo muy, pero muy importante para nosotros' - a very, very important tournament for us. He emphasizes that while good teams win, the best teams aim to compete at higher levels. Consequently, the club invests significantly more time, preparation, and crucially, recruitment efforts in readiness for the competition.
However, Azteca's commitment extends beyond a singular tournament. They actively participate in the Colorado Premier League (CPL), alongside prominent clubs such as Harpos and FC Denver. The CPL conducts two distinct seasons—one in the spring and another in the fall, resembling an 'apertura' and 'clausura' format. De la Rosa asserts that the CPL represents the pinnacle of amateur soccer in the state, a claim supported by their consistent representation in the US Open Cup. Clinching victories and contending in the CPL stands as a yearly objective for Azteca. Their frequent triumphs in the league not only reinforce their standing but also position them for prestigious competitions like the Open Cup and other lesser-known tournaments.
One such tournament is the Alianza Cup, deemed the 'Largest and Most Prestigious Hispanic Adult Tournament in the U.S.' according to its website. Despite boasting Verizon sponsorship and offering a $10,000 cash prize, my discussion with De la Rosa marked my introduction to this competition. Azteca boasts an impressive record, securing victory in the tournament four times since its inception. Additionally, they actively engage in both Colorado State Cups, sanctioned separately by the USSSA and CSA associations. De la Rosa proudly asserts that Azteca holds the unique distinction of being the sole team to clinch victories in both cups under the banners of these two distinct associations.
As our conversation drew to a close, I inquired about Azteca's upcoming plans. De la Rosa revealed their current pursuit of a dedicated training ground. Throughout the years, they've utilized various facilities for practice. While they lean towards securing a training spot in close proximity to Victoria Sport Park, where the CPL hosts their games, they remain flexible, open to any feasible option. Additionally, Azteca is exploring the expansion of their squad, aiming to incorporate U-20 and U-23 teams into their setup. The U-20 team sets its sights on competing in the 'Liga de las Estrellas,' while the U-23 squad aims to participate in the UPSL. Moreover, they are in the final stages of their search for a head coach, approaching a well-regarded figure within developmental football in the state.
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As our conversation wrapped up, I inquired about the best way to support the club's endeavors. With no TV broadcast of the CPL, De la Rosa encourages everyone to attend matches and show their support in person. Additionally, he emphasized the power of social media in bolstering the club's visibility. Following Azteca FC 5280 onTwitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook provides an easy way to stay updated and engaged with the team's progress.
The upcoming Spring CPL League kicks off on March 31st, 2024. Stay tuned to Box State Footy for further updates and coverage.
