Temecula FC Quails 'Dirty Bird' Fans To Fill Stadium At US Open Cup

TEMECULA, CA — Howay, the quails! It's time for Temecula FC Men's Soccer, says founder Brandon Jantz. The team will face Murrieta in the upcoming Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Sept. 30 at their home field of Chaparral High School.

The community is invited to watch the match, and their fans —known as the Dirty Birds — will likely fill the stadium. "Our community defines us," Coach Ignacio Gachuzo told Patch. "It's in our blood and our football." For ten years, the Temecula FC Quails have built their fanbase across the valley.

Temecula FC has supporters unlike any other group, according to Gachuzo.

"The Dirty Birds give usa true home-field advantage," he said. "The Dirty Birds are unlike any other supporters group. When we are away, they travel, in most cases in larger numbers than the home team. Football isn't anything without supporters. It's great to have the players' families on the sidelines cheering, but when you have supporters with absolutely no blood ties to anyone on the pitch, you know that The Club is building something very special in the Valley and for the Valley."

This year, standout players for the Quails include all who set foot on the pitch, he said. Still, there are a few who make a difference on the scoreboard.

"Diego Valle on the wing is extremely dangerous every time he has the ball at his feet," Gachuzo said. "He's put a lot of balls in the net for us and caused a lot of problems for every team we've played. Beto Renteria is turning into a final third nightmare for defenses as his understanding of where to be and how to deliver service in high-percentage locations has improved tremendously over the last year. Elias Quintanar Macias is our workhorse that does not stop. He defends as well as he attacks and can threaten the goal from any angle."

The Quails have put Rodrigo Ibarra in the net as their top spot keeper, according to Gachuzo.

"His command of the back line is the key to helping us maintain clean sheets, and his shot-stopping and distribution is top level," Gachuzo said. "Our defense last season was very good, only allowing three goals all season. With Rodrigo in goal, I expect that number to improve."

The 2023 team has come together quickly, he said. "They understand the value of 'playing for each other' and are committed to improving as a unit and individuals."

This year, the quails have raised their level of play.

"With everyone gunning to beat us, we stand to have a lot of close competitive matches," he said. "Training has been intense, and we expect this coming year to be nothing less than a war."