Detroit City FC hosted its second World Cup watch party for Team USA’s match against Australia. The Juneteenth match drew hundreds to watch on a big screen at Campus Martius park in downtown Detroit.
Detroit sports mascots — the Lions’ Roary, the Tigers’ Paws and DCFC’s Friendly the Polar Bear — turned up for the game as well, to dance and take pictures.
Some crowd members were decked out in USA-themed outfits for the match. Justin James of Harrison Township came in a red, white and blue colonial soldier costume.
James said he dressed to celebrate Team USA’s Group Stage performance so far.
“We’re here to let people know you can dress a little funky, get a little foofy, and you can still have fun watching the USA kick ass,” he said.
The music and crowd noise were deafening as Team USA dominated Australia, 2-0, clinching a spot in the tournament’s Round of 32.
Nigel Sitashi, a visitor from Canada, said he’s happy to see soccer grow in popularity in the United States. Sitashi said the future of soccer in the U.S. is promising, if the national team keeps playing at a high level through the knockout stage.
“It’s gonna be game-changing,” he said. “You’re gonna see a difference now, compared to how it was back in the past. Soccer’s gonna be a big thing.”
The next DCFC watch party is scheduled for June 25 at Campus Martius, as Team USA’s final group stage match against Turkey starts at 10 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hundreds turn out again for World Cup watch party at Campus Martius
Reporting by Tristan McFolley, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tristan McFolley, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
