SPOKANE, Wash. — Hundreds of soccer fans filled the lawn at Gesa Pavilion to watch the U.S. men’s national team defeat Australia 2-0 in a World Cup match, with more than 5,000 fans having requested tickets to the event, according to Spokane Sports.
For many attendees, the watch party was the closest alternative to attending the actual match in Seattle.
Fans arrived in full patriotic spirit, with some dressing in costume. Two attendees came as Captain America and Uncle Sam, drawing attention on the lawn before kickoff.
“Two American patriots is what we want to represent the fan base,” said Jason Baggott, who attended with fellow fan Steve Falardo. “When we come out, we show out every time. Football is life.”
The U.S. got on the board early with a first-half goal — an own goal by Australia — that brought the Spokane crowd to its feet. Members of the Cysewski family were among those celebrating.
“We’re loving it! Even though it was an own goal the first time, that’s a good way for us to get started,” a member of the Cysewski family said. “It’s the same way we won against Paraguay, so we’ll take it this time too.”
The U.S. added a second goal before halftime, and the final score of 2-0 gave the national team a significant result in the tournament.
The turnout at Gesa Pavilion exceeded what many fans anticipated, and the energy reflected a growing interest in soccer across the region.
“It’s great, love it when the community comes together,” Baggott said. “A lot bigger turnout than I was expecting, but this is great.”
Mark Sherwood attended the watch party with his family and said the moment reflected something larger about the sport’s momentum in the U.S.
“It’s so good, it’s amazing how the sport has grown,” Sherwood said. “Soccer is something that brings everyone together. It’s an exciting group we have and I hope they make a deep run in the World Cup. There’s a lot of these games to watch.”
Gesa Pavilion is scheduled to host another watch party next month for the World Cup Final.
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