Professional soccer player Julian Araujo visits Lompoc High School

LOMPOC, Calif. – Professional soccer player Julian Araujo and Lompoc native was at the Lompoc Community Field for a meet and greet on Wednesday.

Julian Araujo came back to Lompoc and soccer fans were excited to see him.

“Really exciting to have a professional soccer player coming over to our community and able to meet him with all the things he has accomplished. Many of us dream to be a soccer player ,it's been nice," said soccer fan Eric Ramirez.

The event took place at the Lompoc Community track and field from 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

The Lompoc native answered questions from the community in a meet and greet. This season on a loan Araujo plays for Las Palmas.

“Playing here, like he said, it's hard. It's a small town it's hard to get noticed. And it's also just good for the little kids who are like, you know, trying to also find their way in the game. So I think it's cool," said Lompoc soccer player Benny Nicolas.

Organizers also encouraged the community to stay through 3 p.m. to watch and cheer on the Lompoc High School soccer players as they had their practice after the event.

The event included music, snacks and a raffle for soccer gear like game jerseys and cleats. Over 100 soccer fans from across the coast came out.

“It's cool that he's coming over. He talked a little bit about, dedication, sleeping, eating right. And that goes out to other young people, who want to be a soccer player. We want to be and anything else they have to make sacrifices," said Eric Ramirez.