GOLDEN GIRLS

U.S. WOMEN DEFEAT NETHERLANDS FOR WORLD CUP SOCCER CROWN

MEDIA >> Fans gathered en masse at Delaware County taprooms to watch the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team claim its fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup victory on Sunday.

“We’re turning Media into a soccer headquarters right here at Tap 24,” said fan Chris Garriga, as the State Street bar was packed wall-towall for the match. Cheers rang out as the five minutes of stoppage time drew to a close on the U.S.’s 2-0 victory over the Netherlands, following by a round of “U.S.A.” chants.

“Great game; proud of the U.S.A. women; excited to be here,” said fan Chris Smith, who arrived for the bar’s early opening at 10:30 a.m., ahead of the 11 a.m. match start. “I watch every Women’s World Cup soccer match in this bar,” he said, saying seats were full within five minutes after his arrival.

“It’s been packed since five minutes after we opened up,” said Elise Rehoric, Tap 24 manager.

“Soccer brings everybody in Media together. We don’t get basketball and baseball crowds like this,” she said. Tap 24 has also appealed to soccer fans with early openings for English Premier League matches, beginning with the 2018-19 season.

The soccer-centric bar counted former Philadelphia Union forward Sebastian LeToux among the crowd Sunday. “It’s been a great year for the World Cup – U.S.A. and France,” said the France native. “I always come to watch the game here. It’s fun, it’s always a good time,” said LeToux, a friend of Tap 24 owner and Union supporter Loic Barnieu.

Crowds also packed 2SP Brewing Company in the Aston postal section of Chester Township, 2 miles northeast of the Philadelphia Union’s Talen Energy Stadium. Bartender Christina Petrilla said fans were lined up prior to the brewery’s 10:45 opening.

“I am impressed with Rose Lavelle and Tobin Heath. I think they carried the entire USA team in this women’s cup – all the focus has been on other players,” said Jerry Leddy of Wallingford, celebrating the win at

2SP with his wife Karen and neighbor Kevin Sullivan. “I’m sad that Christen Press isn’t getting kudos – she saved the England game.”

“(Jerry) basically learned the game when he started coaching,” said Karen. Leddy began coaching his daughters roughly at the time of the U.S. women’s team victory in the

1999 World Cup.

“I think since ‘99 the focus on women’s sports has been exemplary – finally the girls have heroes they can look up to.”

The Leddys noted a large number of families in attendance at the brewery to watch the national team claim its newest title. “Mom and dad bringing the kids – little girls, they were here,” said Karen.

“I think my favorite thought over this entire World Cup was ‘I’ve seen men wearing women’s (team) jerseys,” said Jerry. “There’s proof right there – the women’s teams are doing awesome. We need to focus equally on both sides.”

Watch party destinations for the

2019 final also included spots outside of the usual drinking establishments, including the newly opened Splash Swim Club in Broomall. The club invited young fans and families to watch the match while donning red, white and blue.

ASSOCIATED PRESS United States’ Alex Morgan, center, looks up as her teammates hold the trophy celebrating at the end of the Women’s World Cup final soccer match between U.S. and The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France, on Sunday.

COLIN AINSWORTH - MEDIANEWS GROUP Fans’ eyes were glued to the match at Tap 24 in Media as the U.S. held a 2-0 advantage in the waning minutes of the second half.

CLAUD PARIS — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS United States’ players jump to celebrate with the trophy after winning the Women’s World Cup final soccer match between US and The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Sunday.

COLIN AINSWORTH - MEDIANEWS GROUP Pairings Cigar Bar on State Street in Media kept pedestrians up to date on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final score.