U-S-A!!!

Last night Katie went to her first soccer match! She saw the US Men's National Team beat Cuba 6-1 at RFK Stadium in front of a boisterous crowd of 25,000 fans. We tailgated with John and Sue and a bunch of their friends before the game. Someone brought a portable grill and made some delicious hot dogs and burgers. Katie enjoyed kicking her ladybug ball and dancing to the music from the stereo of nearby tailgaters.

At the game, Katie loved all the clapping, cheering, and chanting... and there was a lot to cheer about. There were lots of chants of U-S-A and lots of American flags in the stands. It was nice to experience genuine patriotic exuberance after a rough week for our country.

Poor Cuba. Two players defected right before the game. Last year seven players defected before a game in Tampa.


Katie chugs her water at the tailgate party.


The US team (in white) in front of a boisterous crowd that cheered, sang, and waved flags all night.


Katie is either pointing out a defensive breakdown by the back line or poking the girl in the head.


"Yay! USA!" Katie clapped all night and loved it.


Another photo of the action-filled game.


"Tell Daddy to stop taking photos!"


The fans unfurled a huge USA banner during the game.