Bolivian soccer clubs bring fierce rivalry and piece of home to Naples

NAPLES, Fla. — In the middle of World Cup fever, Southwest Florida hosted an international professional soccer match of its own Sunday.

Bolivian clubs Blooming and Oriente Petrolero brought one of their country’s fiercest rivalries to the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples.

Organizers said the two professional teams traveled from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to bring a piece of home to the Bolivian community in Southwest Florida.

Blooming scored the only goal late in the match to earn a 1-0 exhibition victory. The celebration continued after the final whistle as supporters gathered for a postgame party.

“Oh my gosh, it was amazing,” one Blooming fan said. “Our team came in last minute and they scored the winning goal. We’re really proud of them, and, you know, they came a long way from home, and they really came through for all the fans.”

The matchup was billed as a rivalry that crosses borders, giving local supporters a rare opportunity to see the professional clubs, colors and traditions they grew up with.

Because the match was an exhibition, the result will not count toward either club’s league record.