GOALLL!
Zoë recounts the great fun she had attending a US Women's National Team soccer game against South Korea in Saint Paul.
Zoë recounts the great fun she had attending a US Women's National Team soccer game against South Korea in Saint Paul.
I had the pleasure of attending a professional soccer game in which the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) faced South Korea at Allianz Field in Saint Paul this week. The Womxn’s Club Soccer Team attended as a group, and it made for the perfect bonding activity.
The game we attended was a very special occasion—it was Carli Lloyd’s last game ever. A prolific player, and one of the most successful members of the USWNT for 16 years, she ended her career having won two World Cup titles and two Olympic golds. As someone who grew up watching the USWNT compete in the World Cup, Olympics, and other tournaments, I loved having the opportunity to witness the end of her career in Saint Paul. I was also starstruck watching some of my other favorite players make appearances. Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Rose Lavelle are a few of my favorites who all scored goals during the game.
Buying Tickets and Finding Seats
The captains of the team found tickets for an affordable price pretty high up in the stadium. Despite being relatively far away from the field, we still had a remarkably good view of the game. Plus, it was cool to have an aerial view of the field. 13 of us made it to the game, and we all sat together.
Allianz Field
It was only a 45 minute drive to Allianz Field, so getting there was no hassle at all. That’s the beauty of Carleton’s proximity to the Twin Cities. On a Tuesday night, my teammates and I could easily drive up to Saint Paul, watch a soccer game, and return, all within a few hours! Plus, it was fun to chat on the drive up and back.
Enjoying the Game
The USWNT beat South Korea with a score of 6-0. They dominated the game and kept possession of the ball for the majority of the match. South Korea performed well, too, and I was impressed by their goalie’s many saves. Here you can see our view of the field—not too shabby!
Commemorating Carli Lloyd’s Career
As I mentioned, the fact that it was Carli Lloyd’s last game was a huge deal. When she was subbed out in the second half of the game, the whole stadium cheered. After the game ended, she gave a gracious parting speech and conveyed her thankfulness for her teammates, coaches, and supporters. It was such a cool moment to witness and one that I won’t forget.
This was one of the most exciting Tuesday nights I’ve had in a while! It was the perfect way to start the school week, and I am grateful to have a fantastic team with whom to attend events like this one. I look forward to lots more club soccer fun this term and in the future. Check out my previous blog post to learn more about what Womxn’s Club Soccer involves. I highly recommend joining a club sports team like soccer and taking advantage of Northfield’s proximity to the Twin Cities to see a sports event like this one.
Zoë is a junior Sociology-Anthropology major who loves traveling and studying abroad, taking photos, and luxuriating in long walks in the glorious Arb. At Carleton, some of Zoë’s favorite pastimes include frequenting the various coffee shops in downtown Northfield, playing cello in the orchestra, participating in club soccer, and spending time with friends. Meet the other bloggers!