MILWAUKEE (AP) — Former Mexican soccer star Juan Francisco Palencia fired a strike for international soccer at Miller Park.

The sporting director of Chivas Guadalajara was in Milwaukee to promote the inaugural soccer game at the home of baseball’s Brewers. The exhibition match on July 16 pits the Mexican club and Swansea City of the English Premier League.

Palencia threw a ceremonial first pitch before the Brewers played Colorado on Friday. Palencia played in two World Cups and says he wants to make soccer as popular in the United States as it is in Europe and South America.

Pitcher Yovani Gallardo, who was born in Mexico, joined team officials in greeting Palencia before the game.

The soccer pitch at Miller Park will fit tightly between the Brewers’ dugout and their bullpen in left.

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