After defeating Japan 5-2 on July 5 in Vancouver, the U.S. Women’s National Team arrived back in the States as World Champions! The U.S. broke the record for most World Cups won (3). Because of this great feat, the U.S. Women’s National Team was the first all female team to be honored in a New York City Ticker Tape Parade along the Canyon of Heroes route.
My family and I had seen the Women’s National Team play in Ottawa and Montreal. So when we heard that this parade would be historical, of course we had to go! As did the rest off the world it seemed. People were packed onto the sidewalks, squished in between the barricades and storefronts, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the world champs. Most fans were dressed in jerseys and flags like they were going to one of the World Cup matches.
Riding on floats decked in red, white, and blue, the inspiring women waved to cheering fans of every age. When the first float passed, Abby Wambach started a passionate chant of “USA!” The 23 members of the team were split into several floats, each one met with resounding screams. Carli Lloyd, with the World Cup trophy held high, rode alongside Megan Rapinoe and NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio. Floats for Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League and other sponsors celebrated the U.S. Women’s National Team’s legendary victory.
We are looking forward to continuing our celebration at the Sky Blue FC match on July 11 at 7 p.m. National team favorites will hit the field once again!
