Let’s be real. I have been gearing up for this World Cup since 2011 when Japan defeated the US, so attending the quarter finals and the semi finals absolutely needed to happen this time around, especially since it’s in Canada this time.
We purchased our tickets around the same time as when they went on sale. We weren’t eager or anything…
We left for the quarter finals in Ottawa early since it was about a 5 hour drive there. With some coffee in hand, we traveled through the Adirondacks and some very small towns in New York. I find the Adirondacks and those towns to be some of the most peaceful places I have ever encountered. My mind couldn’t stop buzzing on that drive with the excitement and severe anxiety that awaited to see this game play out. Those mountain towns were a great reminder to slow down every once in a while.
Once through customs, the biggest bridge I had ever witnessed lay before us. I mean, come on why does that bridge have to be so massive? As I white knuckled my steering wheel, my now fiance (still getting used to that) looked out the window telling me it was a beautiful view and the water was gorgeous. I still don’t know what view he was talking about because I just looked ahead.
We didn’t spend much time in our hotel and set off to explore the city before the game at 7:30. We took an Uber over to the stadium area and walked around taking in the city. As I was being a tourist, taking photos and thinking about how cool of a blog post this would be, my then boyfriend, was busy with other plans. Big plans. Big enough plans to make a women’s soccer fan completely forget that she was even about to attend a Women’s World Cup game.
It’s like this guy knows me or something. I know that so many people talk about bursting into tears when this happens for them. My reaction was shock. Then wanting to cry (which lasted all day). Then profusely thanking the kindest man for offering to take our photo as he congratulated us and as I remembered what a photo was. Here’s the picture he took:
I had to stand at this very bridge for about 10 minutes to make sure I had legs. To answer your question…I did not see it coming and yes, I still have my legs.
We found a really great spot to celebrate, eat and drink called Local!
They had the nicest waitstaff and gave us some champagne and dessert to celebrate! I recommend checking this place out. Their food was great too!
Oh, right…soccer. That’s why we were there! That whole soccer game, of course! Here are some pictures that really capture that whole thing:
The game was fantastic. The US looked really strong and there are no words that can capture the excitement from the crowd. What I loved the most was that energy. Both teams had fans cheering for them and it was fun to be a part of. For me, seeing women’s soccer continue to grow and have so much attention surrounding it makes my heart very happy.
The semi-final game in Montreal was a much quicker drive in for us. It was about 3.5 hours to get there and we had much more time to settle in and figure out where to go. We went to Bar 99, which was a few blocks away from the stadium and we were joined by other US fans.
The crowd in Montreal was AWESOME! There were constant USA chants coming from the stadium, which really didn’t seem to end.
As for those goals…I had to turn away and look at the crowd behind me during Carli Lloyd‘s PK. I just couldn’t watch. I knew she would score, but I was so beyond nervous that I had to turn around. I decided the crowd erupting with happiness would be a good indicator for me if she scored and she did!
The goal following that from Kelley O’Hara was also incredible. That was when the game was sealed for the US without a doubt! U-S-A, U-S-A!
When the game ended, we decided to take the metro to grab a late dinner and wander around town. The U-S-A cheers continued into the metro station and there were US fans all over the place. After we got off the train and with a little navigation, we found ourselves on the tail end of a Jazz Festival as we enjoyed a very late meal.
These games, especially Ottawa, have a very special place in my heart. It’s not every day you get engaged at the Women’s World Cup as you’re about to watch the US play and then win. Talk about an array of emotions! Anyway…
U-S-A!
Deb Handy 
What a wonderful read! I really enjoyed this. So happy for you!