Following Soccer in Person and on TV

Last night (6 July) found me at World Wide Technology Soccer Park (https://www.saintlouisfc.com/SOCCERPARK) for the St. Louligans (http://stlouligans.com/) tailgate. They had burgers and hot dogs on the menu, along with Schlafly (http://www.schlafly.com/) Ale d'Or on tap.

My friends and neighbors, Paul and Laura Trelford, their daughter Lilly, and our friend Tom Mantych came by the tailgate. We got to chat for a few minutes before I marched into the stadium with my fellow St. Louligans. The Trelfords and Mantych had tickets elsewhere in the stadium.

We then marched into the stadium to cheer on Saint Louis FC (https://www.saintlouisfc.com/), was hosting Loudoun United FC in USL Championship (https://www.uslsoccer.com/usl-championship) action. Loudoun took the lead late in the first half, and scored again early in the second half. Saint Louis didn't give up, though, as they scored twice to earn a 2-2 draw. It was disappointing not to have won and get the three points, but at least we got one from this match.

Soon after the match, there was a fireworks display at the Soccer Park. It was a nice show, lasting about five minutes. At least I got to see some fireworks in person this year.

This morning, I was home to watch on television the USA women (https://www.ussoccer.com/) play the Netherlands in the FIFA Women's World Cup (https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/) Final in Lyon, France. After a scoreless first half, the Americans scored in the second half to win the match, 2-0, and win the Cup for the second tournament in the row and fourth time overall. There was some real quality women's soccer on display during this tournament, and the USA showed their complete class over the competition.

About an hour or so after the trophy presentation in Lyon, I headed to Barcelona Tapas Restaurant (https://www.barcelonatapas.com/?fbclid=IwAR3RcIuR3x8GzZGjD-JbwF8IUJmaib0rxPvg5SzdmL7noedzaLS7bvKvZqQ)in Clayton. It hosted a watch party for today's CONMEBOL (http://www.conmebol.com/) Copa America Final in Rio de Janeiro, between Brazil and Peru. I joined with some Brazil supporters at the bar to watch the match on the TVs there. The local band Samba Bom (http://sambabom.com/) played samba music before and after the match and at halftime. It was a good atmosphere there to watch the match. Brazil defeated Peru 3-1 to win the Copa America, and the Brazil supporter (including I) were most happy.

Tonight, the USA Men play Mexico in the CONCACAF (https://www.concacaf.com/) Gold Cup Final in Chicago. I have an early wake up call for work tomorrow, so I will follow the match here at home.

Later.