One fan held up a “We Believe” scarf, showing his support for the team.
This summer, the United States has become the center of the soccer world. And there couldn’t be anything besides maybe a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl that I would enjoy more.
Fans from all over the world have flocked to the U.S. to take part in the joyous experience of the FIFA World Cup, which only comes around every four years. Add in the fact that it’s America’s 250th anniversary, and it makes for a special summer.
I had the chance on July 1 to travel to San Jose/Santa Clara to enjoy festivities related to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovia. The game was played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. There was a massive watch party thrown in downtown San Jose.
Fans flooded the streets, creating an atmosphere unlike anything I had ever seen before. Everywhere I looked, people were draped in flags or wearing their favorite jersey. It was an amazing scene.
I had been debating about whether I wanted to make the drive to the Bay Area, but I am so glad that I did. It is an experience that will be etched in my memory for a long time.
Author Matt Johnson is shown with his daughter Sophie at the fan gathering in San Jose last week.
I would have to guess that a few thousand people were packed into San Jose’s San Pedro Square Market. Massive television screens were set up for fans to enjoy the game. Food vendors packed the sidewalks. Sellers were trying to entice buyers to purchase all kinds of memorabilia.
The U.S. held on for a gritty 2-0 win, despite losing a man to a red card in the second half. It was only the second time the U.S. men’s team has ever advanced to the tournament’s Round of 16.
From sea to shining sea, this tournament has brought people together through a shared love of this amazing sport. It’s fun to see people unite around the enjoyment of competition, culture and community.
That’s one of my favorite things about being a librarian: building community and fostering partnerships. That’s what soccer has done, too.
Through reading various news accounts, hosting the Cup has been more than just having people watch games at stadiums around our country. It’s a chance to showcase America’s beauty and this amazing land of opportunity to a global audience. I’ve seen stories about Europeans discovering Ranch dressing for the first time and falling in love with it. How neat is that?
A few thousand people squeezed into San Jose’s San Pedro Square to view the game.
The Cup has also meant a lot to our community in Mariposa County. Whether it’s Kass Bissmeyer and her amazing Mariposa Soccer League hosting viewing parties or giving away donations of soccer balls at the library, to local businesses holding their own internal bracket challenges, it has been so much fun. It creates friendship and bonding!
For longtime soccer fans, it’s a dream come true to see these matches played on home soil. The last time the Cup was in America was 1994, when the sport was really fighting for recognition.
It’s still a sport trying to gain more notoriety in this part of the world, but it has come a long way. For newcomers to “The Beautiful Game,” it’s a wonderful opportunity to discover the excitement of the sport, from dramatic last-minute goals to unexpected upsets and passionate moments of national pride.
This is a massive moment for soccer in our great nation. The men’s team has already exceeded expectations, and as of the date this is being written, are still alive in the tournament.
As the world tunes in, America is proving to be a great host — and the memories created this summer will stick with me for years to come. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have.
Matt Johnson is the Mariposa County Librarian and an avid sports junkie. He can be reached at mjohnson@mariposacounty.gov.
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