Brazilian teams boosts Dalton soccer leagues

Brazilian soccer players are visiting Dalton this week for games with local league teams and to celebrate the sport that reminds local Hispanics of their native countries.
The sport also helps bring the Hispanic and Anglo communities together, organizers said.
The Brazilians won both games against players from the 64-team Dalton Soccer League, but Brazilian players praised the competitive spirit of the local squads.
“South of the border, it (soccer) is almost like a religion,” said Francisco Vaquero, a Salvadoran chiropractor.
He said Dalton’s leagues have expanded and improved greatly since Mr. Vaquero started playing here in 1999, he said, and the competition is “to the point where it’s actually fun to watch it.”
Brazilian player Eber Brea agreed Dalton’s teams are impressive, despite their losses in two games at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center Wednesday night.
“They seem to play together like a clock,” Mr. Brea said of Dalton’s team members.