Why You Should Be Watching America’s Quest For Soccer Glory In Canada

  Last Monday night, soccer fans from all over South Florida streamed into Fado Irish Pub in Brickell. It wasn’t to watch a Champions League Match or even Copa America. Instead, they were watching the Women’s World Cup match between Colombia and the United States.

  When Alex Morgan put the ball into the net to score for the US, the fans erupted. When a yellow card was shown to Megan Rapinoe, they responded with boos. When the game finished with a 2-0 victory for the Americans, they chanted “USA!” at the top of their lungs.

  In essence, soccer and World Cup fever have once again taken over in America. Unlike the men’s World Cup, the women’s game is much less followed and attended, but that is slowly changing. Ratings are rising. Watch parties are growing. Apparel is flying off the shelves. And unlike last year, the United States enters this year’s World Cup as legitimate favorites to win it all.

  Why should you care, however?

  Well, of course, there is a matter of National Pride. The USA is always cheered for in the Olympics and men’s World Cup, so why are the ladies of the US Women’s National Team not deserving of that support as well? They certainly play just as hard as the men do, and have had much more success than their male counterparts.

  Many would be surprised to know that the United States are two-time World Cup champions. That iconic photo of Brandi Chastain screaming in triumph in her sports bra? That was after the US defeated China for the World Cup title in 1999 at a sold out Rose Bowl.

  Four years ago, the US made national headlines thanks to a dramatic last-second goal from Abby Wambach to save the Americans from elimination against Brazil in the quarterfinals. It turned out to be the latest goal ever scored in World Cup competition.

  One year later, Alex Morgan headed in the game-winning goal in the semifinals of the Olympics against Canada in a similar fashion, with mere seconds left in additional time. The win sent the US to the Gold Medal game which they won.

  Now in 2015, the United States is playing in Canada with a third World Cup within their grasp.

  The American defense has not allowed a single goal to be scored since the early minutes of their tournament opener against Australia, which they went on to win 3-1.

  A 0-0 draw with Sweden was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria and Monday night’s 2-0 win over Colombia. Now the US will travel to Ottawa to face off against their 1999 foes from the finals, China.

  When they take to the pitch at 8pm on Friday night, it should be our patriotic duties to cheer and yell as loud as possible for the American women who represent the stars and stripes in their quest for eternal footballing glory.

  I know I will be, and should they win, I expect the final two games will be equally as thrilling as the previous four have been so far.