Boy Collapses, Dies In Westminster Soccer Match

WESTMINSTER, CA — It was just another soccer Saturday. The Strikers FC North team was mid-battle with the SDA Slammers in the Players Cup Tournament. At approximately 10:15 a.m. Felipe Andres De La Cruz, 13, put his hand up to go out during the second half, saying he was tired, but then something went horribly wrong.

According to reports from the Orange County Register, within about 30 seconds of coming out of the game, Felipe collapsed.

CPR was performed at the field by coach Ron Esparza's wife, a physician who was at the event, according to the Register.

The unconscious boy was transported to Orange Coast Memorial Hospital in Fountain Valley where he was pronounced dead.

The game was stopped, and the entire team including coaches, parents and players, rushed to the hospital in support of the youth.

"As a coach, you worry that things like this may happen, but you never expect it to happen," Esparza told the Register.

According to the Register, the family of the boy is waiting for the autopsy to find out the cause of his death. According to Felipe's father, he has never experienced any heart problems.

The Strikers FC North club Director of Coaching Rob Fisher shared the news with the club over Facebook, announcing the club's support of the family.

Writing about Felipe passing away wasn't "something that I'd ever thought I'd have to write," Fisher stated. Of the team returning to play on Sunday, in honor of their fallen teammate, the Strikers FC North showed appreciation.

"It took huge amounts of courage and character for the boys to go out and play their final game," the league said.

A fundraiser has been established to raise money for Felipe's memorial service, funeral and burial, which will be held sometime after Sept. 5.

Coaches Esparza and Mike Ornelas, the entire team and organization of Strikers FC North request any help possible to help the family.

"Thank you form the bottom of our hearts," they said.

Image courtesy of GoFundMe