South Florida’s Haitian community fills Nu Stadium for International friendly (includes video story)

The Haitian national soccer team lost 2-1 to Peru in an international friendly match June 5 at Nu Stadium. The match served as a final tuneup for Haiti as the team continued preparing for the upcoming World Cup.

A sold-out crowd filled the stadium with thousands of Haitian supporters cheering on their national team. South Florida, home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the United States, provided a familiar atmosphere for both players and fans.

The passion and energy from the Haitian community were evident throughout the match. Supporters waved flags, sang chants and created a home-like environment. Many fans viewed the game as an opportunity to celebrate their culture while supporting Haiti on the international stage.

“Playing here in Miami, [there’s a big] Haitian community,” said Fritznel Octave, a journalist for The Haitian Times. “It’s like home.”

A Haitian American born and raised in Miami, Dovensky has a strong interest in sports journalism.