It’s been more than 30 years since Nike stormed into the soccer scene with the release of the brand’s first non-cleted boot, followed by the forever-classic Total 90 silhouette. Now, Nike has returned to reclaim its reign in the sport. Taking inspiration from its 1995 Secret Tournament, a soccer competition that saw 24 players compete against each other, the Swoosh launched Toma LA, a summer soccer competition series that takes it up a notch, earlier this summer.
As part of the brand’s new soccer initiative, Toma El Juego (Take the Game) – geared towards a new generation of players, Toma LA, hosted by Travis Scott and Young Miko – has taken over the Los Angeles area this summer, bringing the best young players together for the ultimate street soccer tournament. Kicking off in June, local teams started off by putting their soccer skills to the test with a 4v4 tournament and are now ready to take the championship title home in the Toma LA Finals tonight, July 26, at City Market. After teams from eight different LA neighborhoods (Westside, Orange County, East LA, Southeast LA, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, South LA, Central LA), competed with each other throughout June and July, only one MVP will be left standing after the 1v1c1 single-player knockout tournament tonight.
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In total, 64 teams, both men’s and women’s, have competed for eight spots in the finals, with one team from every neighborhood advancing to the next round. Both the boys and girls teams from crews VBFC, La Comunidad, InSainz, Toque, House of 626, Tiki Taka and Culture FC will play against each other. The Toma LA Finals comes directly after a final four match, an All-Stars segment (1v1v1 co-ed gauntlet) and a 5v5 Semis. The winner of the finals, which will feature one crew (girl and boys) and one MVP (one girl, one boy) will automatically be entered into the U.S. Soccer Talent I.D. Camp for a unique opportunity to train and try out for the National Team.
If an MVP cannot be named, whether no goals or megs, a “nutmeg” where the ball is shot through the opponents legs, are made, the Jackboys 2 rapper, Scott, will pick a winner.
Stay tuned to see our coverage and recap of Nike’s Toma LA Finals online and on our social channels starting today, July 26.