American fans express guarded optimism before the U.S. men’s team opens the tournament with a 1-1 draw with Wales.
Eight-plus years, many international friendlies and un-friendly qualifiers, disappointment, resignation, more disappointment, optimism, an Uber and several breakfast beers led British ex-pat Julian Stephenson to a physical and emotional place Monday where he said he finally felt “100 percent comfortable” expressing his unvarnished view of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.
Fans watch a World Cup match between the United States and Wales at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA on Monday, November 21, 2022. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Kids kick a soccer ball before the start of a World Cup watch party at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA on Monday, November 21, 2022. The match between the United States and Wales ended in a 1-1 draw.
“My hopes are not yet high,” said Stephenson, 37, who grew up playing a lot of soccer and rooting for England before moving to Mission Viejo four years ago.To be fair, the same could be said of at least some of the fans who skipped work Monday to watch a bigger-than-big screen television in a plaza outside the home pitch of the Galaxy.Jesus Ramon was talking about his hat, a furry, soccer ball-shaped number adorned with faded blue and red stars.
“Maybe I’m wrong,” Stephenson said as he picked up the chair he’d knocked over while celebrating Weah’s goal. “They look smart enough.”As the second half started, Wales looked faster and bigger. And even as momentum shifted back, a bit, and the Americans regained their energy, the crowd grew tense. The cheers in the second half were for good plays on defense, not on offense; rarely a good sign.
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