Earthquake in Colombia: Once Caldas on Edge Over Families Back Home in Manizales

The news reached them on the highway, as they were leaving Monteria on their way to Bogota. Within minutes, Once Caldas' travel plans became an afterthought: all that mattered was finding out whether their families were okay. A powerful earthquake shook Manizales and other Colombian cities, and the entire squad was left on edge over what was happening back home.

Dayro Moreno, the team's captain and top scorer, spoke with SportsCenter about the anguish of living through the moment from a distance. The forward explained that several players' families, including some wives with young children, had to rush out of their apartments over fears the buildings could collapse.

A little sad and a little worried, because we know our families are there. Several of our players' families, wives with kids, had a very tough day yesterday because of those apartment buildings. They basically had to evacuate because the earthquake nearly brought them down.Dayro Moreno

Fortunately, the biggest worry was put to rest quickly: no one close to the squad was hurt. That doesn't erase the fright, but at least it allowed everyone to breathe a little easier.

We're here in Bogota, a little worried, but thank God we're all fine, our families, everyone is okay.Dayro Moreno

A Schedule Put on Hold

The earthquake also upended the club's sporting plans. Once Caldas had everything set to head to Valledupar, where they were due to play this Thursday. The idea was to stay on the road for a couple more days and arrive straight in time for the match. But as soon as the scale of what was happening in Manizales became clear, priorities shifted immediately.

According to Dayro, the news broke just as they were leaving their hotel in Monteria to travel to Bogota, and from that point on the entire group, players, coaching staff and club officials, stayed glued minute by minute to updates from their hometown.

That shared concern, the forward said, doesn't recognize rank within the club: everyone, from the front office down to the last player on the roster, has their mind on Manizales.

What comes next for the group is getting back as soon as possible. Not just to play or train, but to be close to the people who always support them from the stands at Palogrande.

God willing, we're hoping to get to Manizales tomorrow with our whole group, all of Caldas, to start helping the people of Manizales.Dayro Moreno

Dayro was clear about the underlying message: if the fans are always there cheering the team on when it needs them, now it's the team's turn to return that support in a moment far more difficult than any match.