Team USA fans embrace at the City Hall Plaza watch party after Tuesday’s loss in the World Cup match against Belgium.
Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki/Metro
For 120 minutes Team USA had a chance and the country seemingly held its breath.
And then it was all over.
The thousands of fans who flocked to City Hall Plaza Tuesday to watch Team USA take on Belgium in the World Cup left with expressions on their faces that were reflective of the normally barren area.
“Bummed, dude,” said Zack Trembowicz, 18, of Essex, as he clutched his American flag cape around his neck.
Team USA failed to move on in their quest to capture the world’s most sought after trophy and will return home after losing an exciting game by a score of 2 to 1 in extra time.
The “U. S. A.” chants turned to sudden silence after Belgium’s first goal and the team sent people heading toward the T and water bottles flying through the air after the second goal. However, some of those within ear shot of the plaza came sprinting back when the crowd erupted after a late goal by Team USA.
But it wasn’t enough.
“I’m sad and disappointed a little bit,” said Sarah Casey, a 23-year-old Boston resident and lifelong soccer fan.
Ryan Carroll of Boston was feeling impatient after the match.
“Four more years is a long time,” he said of the next tournament for Team USA.
Despite Tuesday’s loss, fans were pleased with Team USA’s performance. Many didn’t expect the soccer team to make it out of group play, with seemingly better teams competing against them. While the loss stung, this year’s tournament left fans feeling optimistic.
“This was very promising for the future of US soccer. I think getting these young guys in all the way to the round of elimination is a really good sign going forward,” said Trembowicz. “[The World Cup in] 2022, it’s going to be different. USA World Cup champions.”
Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter@metrobosmike.
