In Stamford, England vs. USA tie celebrated with cheers and charity
STAMFORD — Soccer fans filled bars in the city’s downtown for the England vs. USA World Cup match Friday, leaving their Thanksgiving leftovers at home in favor of french fries and wings.
At Bobby V’s Restaurant & Sports Bar on Atlantic Street, more than a dozen screens on the wall above the bar were showing the match in Qatar. The packed room erupted into chats of “U-S-A” at times. One patron had the Gadsden flag draped over his shoulders like a cape and carried a tambourine.
In the sea of U.S. Men’s National Team’s supporters, there was at least one person rooting for England.
“I’ve got to show my flag, and I’m missing my country,” said Patrick Johnson, a Stamford resident from London. “I’m getting drowned out.”
The match ended without either team scoring a goal.
The game followed England’s 6-2 victory over Iran and the United States’ 1-1 draw with Wales. On Friday, Iran defeated Wales 2-0.
At nearby Bradford’s Grill & Tavern on Bedford Street, Kick It For Keith Inc. held a fundraising event during the England vs. USA match.
The charity aims to honor the life of Keith Segovia, a professional soccer player who grew up in Stamford and died of colon cancer in 2010 at the age of 31.
Michael Rueda, a friend of Segovia and Kick It For Keith board member, said the organization provides gifts to cancer patients and financial assistance to promising young soccer players in the city.
“It’s a diverse community,” Rueda said. “There are a lot of gifted players here that don’t have access to the platforms that can help them become better players.”
Segovia was a star player at Stamford High School, played on a Southern Connecticut State University team that won a national championship and later played professionally in the United States and Poland. He also coached in the Stamford Youth Soccer League.
“Keith passed away over 10 years ago now, but he’s remembered, and people come out to support the organization,” Rueda said.
The group has held a fundraiser during every World Cup since 2014 in his name.
“He had potential to maybe get looked at by the national team, and then he got sick,” said Jason Segovia, one of his brothers.
Keith Segovia’s sister, Jennifer, said that even while he was fighting cancer, her brother continued to work out and play soccer.
“He was pretty amazing,” said Jennifer Segovia, who called her brother a hero.