Chico was one of the good guys, always friendly and welcoming. To me he always seemed like a bit of a rudder steering the DC United supporters' boat. This was sad news indeed. Condolences to the Solares family.
I met Chico about 6 years ago when my husband, Gavin first discovered the Barra. He welcomed us and our kids into the fold, got our oldest onto the field with the players and even covered our tickets once when times got tight. When I started playing roller derby he encouraged the Barra to help me pick a name and cheer on my team. I chose my number:135 in honor of the love and support we received through the Barra, often through Chico. With another baby in our lot, it's been impossible to get to games on a regular basis for years. That didn't interfere with the friendship we formed with Chico. Not only did he make new friends feel welcomed in Lot 8, he kept tabs on you forever after. I'll miss the daily Facebook banter with Chico. No one will ever be able to quickly connect my wholesome posts about child-rearing to rum and nudey bars with one comment the way Chico could. Be at peace, friend. I hope heaven can keep up with your demand for jerk-chicken and Mother Mary can figure out how to make Saltenas for you at least half as good as your earthly mamma's.
This one gave me chills tonight when I saw it after the game was over and we were cleaning up. DU and LN...incredible tifo tribute from you guys. We were on the field commenting on how great it looked. Well done.
I went over to take pictures of this, and met and thanked the person responsible. I wish I'd obtained a picture of *him*.
We've been through something similar with one of our guys down here. http://wentworth-courier.whereilive...pay-respects-to-sydney-fc-fan-doggadog-duran/ http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/sydneyfc/news-display/Brosques-Tribute-To-Legendary-Fan/44254 Respect to Chico from down under. The good ones always die young.
This news made me very sad. I received a text from a poster on the Bolivian Forum here on BIGSOCCER, and I ran to my laptop. Unfortunately, one of my twins was just waking up. After spending 10 minutes trying to make my 5 month old sleep, I decided to just take her with me to the lap top, and let the other sleep. I felt sick, short of breath, and very sad as I read the Bolivian Forum of his death. My baby seemed to have chosen the right time to hug me very tight. Exactly what I needed. I held back tears, and thought, "what a true man". The last game I attended. I, some senior members of Lanorte, and Chico were singing out loud, embracing and jumping side to side. This was last year. Chico was instrumental with forming La Barra Brava, and helpful in lending a helping hand to Uniteds newest Fan club, the DC ULTRAS. Chico was also instrumental in helping form a "BOLIVIA" forum here on Bigsoccer. In our culture, family and good friends take presidence over everything. In this country, it's very hard to keep this mindset as the social norm here is.......different. Chico's amazing strength to keep this welcoming nature alive in this part of the world is something to envy. Love you mi hermano Boliviano. Que viva United y The Strongest CARAJ0!!
I'm so sorry to hear this. Condolences to all of you. I'm taking some time to think about people like Chico that I know and to make sure I appreciate them. And also to remember that every encounter with someone is an opportunity to make a positive impact on them and the world.
He was never a type to advertise something like that It's something that made huge impact on me in how I try to treat younger supporters now. To person that made this, you made me smile whole game whenever I looked that way. Thank you.
Da nada. We may be quiet but we're not silent. I figured Chico would like that. Peace out to the Barras who came over and commiserated.
I first met Chico at my first away game in Columbus in 2007. While he gave me shit for wearing a Screaming Eagles shirt he welcomed me as a brother. Just as long as you give 90+ to United. I joined Barra the next week because of Chico. I owe a majority of my friends in the United family to Chico. When my brother's accident happened Chico was there to talk me off the ledge. Explaining that life could be cruel but we get through it and will be stronger because of it. When I was diagnosed with kidney failure, he was there on Facebook urging me on and following my progress. When it became clear I needed transplant surgery, Chico was there to calm my fears. Explaining what to expect post surgery and that the goal of getting back to RFK to see United kept him going after his own surgeries. Chico was my Bolivian big brother of Lot 8. Thank you for being a presence not just in my life, but all our lives.
Chico was a great person on the boards, in the stands and in life. He will be missed. This. Rest in peace Chico.
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/thegoalkeeper/148049045.html A remembrance of Chico from ex-DC resident and Philly soccer writer Jonathan Tannenwald.
I didn't know Chico but I've always respected the value he brought to this board and the club. RIP and condolences to his friends and family.