The Los Angeles Sol recently raised funds for the family of one of the innocent victims in the recent shootings at Long Beach Memorial Hospital at its May 15 home game at The Home Depot Center.

Hugo Bustamante, a hospital pharmacist at the time of the tragedy, was a coach with the Under-10 Cypress Cyclones and a father of two young children, one of which plays for the AYSO Region 154 team.

In early March, the team lost in the Section 11 finals against the Huntington Park American Eagles - giving the Eagles a chance in play in a state tournament in Davis, California. However, the Eagles knew even before the game that, win or lose, they would not be able to make the trip to Davis due to financial constraints.

Then, something miraculous happened - the Cyclones (who lost the game) were so impressed with the graciousness of the victors, decided they were going to start a fundraising effort to give the Eagles the chance to play in Davis after all.

The Sol, along with KIIS FM Host Ryan Seacrest, who became aware of the efforts thru an e-mail he received from one of the team's coaches, together provided the Eagles with transportation and hotel accommodations in Davis. In addition, the Sol hosted both the Cyclones and the Eagles at the WPS Inaugural Match on March 29 at The Home Depot Center.

Now, as Bustamante's family and friends mourn his loss, the Los Angeles Sol together with the entire Southern California soccer community, have joined forces to fundraise for the Hugo Bustamante Family Fund - to benefit his two young children. At its home game on Friday, May 15, the Sol donated $15 from every $20 ticket purchased in the Cypress Cyclones section to the fund as well as hosted a pre-game silent auction, a raffle and more.

Update:

On June 4, the Cypress Police Officers Association (CPOA) and the Police Management Association (PMA) joined together to donate $1,000 to the family of Hugo Bustamante.

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 For more information visit the Hugo Bustamante Memorial Page