The United States women’s national soccer team thrashed Japan 4-1 to win the World Cup on July 5, thanks to a hat trick from star performer Carli Lloyd. The final, which was held at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, saw 53,000 spectators flock to the venue.
Since their victory, interest in the women’s game has continued to increase and sport fans across the country have been inspired by the USA’s latest success.
With soccer growing in the U.S., the women’s national team have sent out the perfect message at exactly the right time in the sporting calendar and ticket sales for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have increased.
Women’s soccer has been on the rise throughout the past few years, but a major success in such a huge event is bound to have a positive impact on the sport.
Sports Illustrated honored the World Cup winners by producing covers featuring each of the victorious team members, a symbol of the fact that their win has earned the team a much higher profile in the country.
The United States are an exceptional team and are fully deserving of their success and, with the men’s national team earning victories over Germany and the Netherlands in recent months, soccer is certainly a sport that is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. and ready to take its seat at the head of the table of U.S. sports.
Carli Lloyd’s individual exploits have had a huge impact on the United States, especially Houston, where she currently plays her club soccer. The Houston Dash travelled to FC Kansas City on Monday and played in front of a sell-out crowd of around 4,000 people. Lloyd opened the scoring with a free-kick moments before half-time, but her side couldn’t hold on as they shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw.
However, it’s not just Houston and Kansas City who are seeing their attendances soar. Most of the United States women’s teams have seen more spectators flooding through the gates to see the World Cup winners in action. Goalkeeper Hope Solo and midfielder Megan Rapinoe, who both play for Seattle Reign FC, returned to their club a fortnight ago and their 4-2 home victory over Western New York Flash. Seattle’s attendance is usually around 3,000 but they had more than 5,500 fans in for that clash. Solo was on the bench for The Dig’s Ultimate World Cup team, but might be bumped up after she outperformed Nadine Angerer in the cup.
It is now imperative that people continue to follow women’s soccer and regularly attend the matches. These games were not short of entertainment or goals, and the other peripheral activities that fans can partake in on a match day mean that people of all ages can attend the venues. Tickets are usually priced at around $15-20, which is more than reasonable for a game of soccer and a family-friendly event. There are soccer stadiums and teams all over the country, and the women’s game will only grow in popularity if the national team continues to succeed.
The NWSL season will finish in September, with ample chance to attract big crowds to see the world champion performers in action as the current campaign reaches its climax.
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