EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A 7-year-old El Paso soccer fan who was brought to tears by Team USA\u2019s World Cup loss is now holding onto a moment he says he\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>\n
Ace Cortez said he had been rooting for Team USA when the loss left him crying. <\/p>\n
His mother, Melissa Favela, recorded the moment, and after she shared it online, the video quickly went viral.<\/p>\n
“He started off so pumped and excited for the game, and then to see him cry, you know, I did laugh a little. Maybe I don’t understand sports as much as he does, but I posted it, and it started going viral,” Favela told KFOX14\/CBS4. <\/p>\n
Ace said he was shocked to learn how many people had seen the video, but the attention also led to a special gift from El Paso native and U.S. men\u2019s national team player Ricardo Pepi.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt very happy. I just felt surprised that he actually gave me this jersey,\u201d Ace said.<\/p>\n
Pepi, who played in 5 games for the USMNT during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sent Ace a signed jersey with a message thanking him for his support.<\/p>\n
Ace said soccer became one of his favorite sports after playing with friends at school, and he hopes to one day meet Pepi in person.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso County declares Aug. 24 ‘Ricardo Pepi Day’ after World Cup selection<\/a><\/p>\n