adidas Tango League – Kicks to the Pitch

A couple weeks ago in conjunction with adidas, The Base LA was launched with a Tango League event. The gorgeous space features massive murals from Los Angeles artists which was built to host small-sided, indoor/street style matches for LA locals.

The adidas Tango League was created to uncover the next global street soccer icon. Last year’s United States MVP’s went to Cardiff for UCL final to compete on a global scale against the world’s best. This year, the MVP’s are competing for a chance to compete in Russia at the World Cup.

After some skills challenges a cagey 8 team, single elimination tournament kicked off with K-town royalty, DJ Zo providing the music, while judges consisting of fitness model Tamra Dae, LA Galaxy players Raul Mediola, Daniel Steres and last year’s Tango MVP Pedro Mendoza watched for individual flair. In the end it was Compton’s Street Baller’s that narrowly edged out HB Futsal in the final. Check out our photo and video recaps below.

After the “Tango League” launch in London, adidas’ worldwide street soccer tourney came to L.A. last week. An industrial warehouse in Downtown Los Angeles was dressed with moody lighting, smoke machines, wood crates and fences for a gritty, underground vibe. The premise of “Tango League” is to uncover young, local talent via worldwide 5-aside qualifiers. Winners from each region will play each other in elimination matches until a World Champion is crowned. Aside from a team trophy and praise, the athlete with the most MVP votes will become an adidas sponsored athlete/brand ambassador. With such high stakes, it is a given that the games are high-quality and cagey affairs. Our very own Shawna Gordon was on hand as a judge and to watch Salsa Tango take the crown. The team is set to take on winner of the New York equivalent, with the hope of making it to Championship in London during the week of the Champions League final.

For more on adidas Tango League keep it locked to adidas.com