As the U.S. women’s soccer team descended on the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium in France for the World Cup final, hundreds of San Diegans descended on Petco Park to watch.
Donned in red, white, and blue, a large crowd of U.S. soccer superfans entered the downtown stadium at around 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
The U.S. team faced off against the Netherlands in Décines-Charpieu, France, after beating England 2-1 in the nail-biting semifinals.
Petco Park also hosted a free viewing party for the semifinals.
“I love it. It feels like a small community. It gets you amped up. I don’t know, it just makes the game more enjoyable,” said attendee Kelsey Burrell.
A DJ entertained the crowd during the commercial breaks, and the baseball stadium offered drink specials.
“Everybody is pumped,” said Danny Truong, a soccer referee. “We’re excited.”
Truong was wearing a custom jersey with his favorite number: 11.
“Those players are the heroes for the young ladies out here,” he told NBC 7. “We have the best team in the world right now.”
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Attendee Megan Hawkins echoed this idea.
“Thank goodness women’s soccer is finally getting the recognition it deserves. These athletes are amazing,” Hawkins told NBC 7.
Just before 10 a.m., the U.S. secured their crown, beating out the Netherlands 2-0.
“Lost my mind. We just lost our mind,” said Hawkins. “It was so exciting. It was a great game.”
The victory gives the Americans a second straight title and their fourth overall, more than any other nation. The U.S. has concluded its summer in France and cemented its place as the best team on the international stage.
“San Diego soccer fans are definitely showing there is a passion for the sport here in America’s Finest City,” Hawkins said. “Just take a look at the huge crowd that showed up to watch the game here at Petco Park. Nearly every square inch of the park is taken up by excited U.S.A. fans.”
Truong started chanting “U.S.A.” with the crowd as they entered Petco Park.
Click here to watch our partner Telemundo’s Spanish-language livestream coverage of the match.
