The Clipper Meets World Champs

The US Women’s Soccer team won 1st place in the World Cup this past summer, in Canada. Ever since, I had been waiting for the day they would play in Seattle. The day I was waiting for had finally arrived. It was Oct. 21, 2015 and it was the day I would finally see the World Champions.

Century Link Field opened its doors for the thousands of US Women's Soccer fans this past Oct. 21.
Diana Pinon
Century Link Field opened its doors for the thousands of US Women’s Soccer fans this past Oct. 21.

After winning the World Cup, the team went around the US, playing against other teams who also participated in the Women’s World Cup, on a Victory Tour. I was pretty excited when I first heard that they were coming to Seattle’s CenturyLink Field to play against another giant, Brazil women’s soccer team. I didn’t think about twice; I got my tickets. I purchased my tickets in August, just a few weeks after they went on sale.

The game I waited for so long to watch took place on Wednesday and I headed down to CenturyLink field with my colleague Sergio Huacuja at around 5:30 p.m. It was already pretty packed, there was a huge line with over 100 people waiting for to get a picture with the trophy. Since the line was big, I didn’t want to stand there forever, so unfortunately I let the chance of taking a photo next to the trophy go by.

What surprised me the most, was the fact that there was so many little girls dressed up in red, white and blue. Other fans were sporting the jersey of the most popular players including Rapinoe and Morgan’s famous 13. It was pretty adorable seeing all the little girls cheering and shouting for their idols. My heart was almost melting.

2.Brazil and US Women's national teams warming up while the attendees were still trying to get seated.
Diana Pinon 
Brazil and US Women’s national teams warming up while the attendees were still trying to get seated.

Once inside of CenturyLink Field, it wasn’t as packed and to my surprise it wasn’t very cold either. Regardless of it not being cold, I still purchased a hot drink from Starbucks. I headed to my seat and both Brazil and the US ladies were already warming up. I didn’t have the best tickets in the house, but I was sitting in section 118, row KK, seat 21. And even from there you could still see the players perfectly.

3.The seating chart of CenturyLink Field, showing where The Clipper staff was sitting … Section 118, Row KK, seats 20-21.
Diana Pinon 
 The seating chart of CenturyLink Field, showing where The Clipper staff was sitting … Section 118, Row KK, seats 20-21.

We waited until the end of the game, and we were able to see the US Women’s Soccer team pay a little tribute to Shannon Boxx, number 7, who was playing her last game as a national player. Boxx played soccer for 15 years and decided to retire from soccer in order to spend more time with her family. Everyone grew emotional, and all the players got together and wrapped their arms around her.

After all the tears and emotion, the World Champs were ready to sign autographs for those who were still there. Sergio and I were one of the lucky ones, and I had the chance to get my USA scarf autographed by Amy Rodriguez, who’s a forward and wears number 8, and also by Becky Sauerbrunn, defender number 4. The luckier one was Sergio who even got to take to take selfie with Rodriguez.

Clipper staff writer, Sergio Huacuja (right) with USWNT forward Amy Rodriguez (left) at the end of the match.
Diana Pinon
Clipper staff writer, Sergio Huacuja (right) with USWNT forward Amy Rodriguez (left) at the end of the match.

I had a bittersweet moment though, I got to see my favorite player Sydney Leroux … but I didn’t get a chance to meet her personally. This kind of broke my heart. Regardless of this, I am glad I went to this epic match, because who knows when these talented women will be back  playing in Seattle.

The scarf signed by Amy Rodriguez and Becky Sauerbrunn, and some of the goodies obtained at the game.
Diana Pinon
The scarf signed by Amy Rodriguez and Becky Sauerbrunn, and some of the goodies obtained at the game.