Independence Day weekend could not have been anymore perfect. Between a great 4th of July, and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) playing in the World Cup Finals the next day, it was almost impossible not to be in the festive spirit!

My family and I were fortunate enough to have purchased tickets to the FIFA World Cup Final months ahead, not knowing that the USWNT would be playing! So when the U.S. won the semi-final game, we were ecstatic! I had always wanted to see the National Team play, however I didn’t think the opportunity would ever present itself. Luckily, it did!

So, Sunday July 5th, we started our 3 hour road trip up to Vancouver, British Columbia. I was happy to be going to Canada, since it’s where I was born, and I haven’t been back in awhile! We made it across the border and into my homeland at about noon. We then spent the next few hours walking around the stadium area and enjoying all the World Cup festivities. I felt bad for the Japanese Team, because it was pretty much a home game for the U.S., there were U.S. fans everywhere!

International Boundary between Canada and the U.S.A.

Outside BC Place with our free Coca-Colas!

Once we got inside the stadium, the excitement began to set in. I was really at the World Cup Finals!! Our seats were located behind one of the goals, and we were sitting near the rowdy folks. This group of people are called The Outlaws, and they travel all around supporting U.S. Soccer. It was a lot of fun to be surrounded by them at one of the most iconic women’s soccer events!

The view from our seats

Who wouldn’t take a selfie at the World Cup?

The American Outlaws

Of course, because it was a final game, and Japan is a good team, I thought the game was going to be close. However, within the first few minutes the U.S. was already up by three goals! It was almost like a miracle. The atmosphere was incredible after that. I would get chills every time the crowd would chant for the U.S.. It was so crazy to be in a different country, but the whole stadium was cheering for the U.S. What a day for U.S. women’s soccer!! At the end of the game, when the entire team ran onto the field as the crowd was going wild, it felt like a scene from a really good sports movie. The players grabbed American flags and started running around thanking and waving at the fans. It was incredible.

The mascot of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada

We met Internet-famous @Soccergrlprobs at half-time!

The USWNT celebrating on stage after the game

I feel so blessed that I was able to attend the game. My dream of going to a World Cup was checked off, and in the best possible way. It is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life, and I’m so happy I got to be a part of such a wonderful day in the soccer world.

Until next time,

Lindsey