As the Women’s Gold Cup group stage games kicked off, fans braved the rain to watch the thrilling matchups and support their favorite national teams.
Despite the rainy conditions, Victoria Fuentes and her husband were some of the first supporters to show up at the Gold Cup’s opening game. Her husband and her, both elderly, displayed their support for Mexico with large sombreros and green ponchos to protect from the cold.
Fuentes and her husband expressed their dedication in supporting both the men’s and women’s Mexico teams, and their long-standing commitment to attending all games in the area. “My husband and I always come to support Mexico when they come. Not just the girls, the men’s team, too. We have been coming for I think 18 years to every game around southern California.
For Fuentes, the experience of witnessing the games in person was far more important than the cold weather. “For me, it’s great, it’s beautiful to be able to come and support and see the team play. Even when there’s not too many people today, you can tell we all are having a great time.”
Fuentes shared a cherished memory from a brief encounter during half time with one of her favorite players (Natalia Mauleon). “We actually got to talk with one of my favorite players,” Fuentes shared excitedly. “It was for 10 seconds or less, but she came over to get the ball right here right (pointing to the lower level of the stands) before kickoff and I told her good luck.”
As part of the promotion for the Gold Cup, all games were doubleheaders. Which meant that fans had access to two games for the price of one. Something Andrea Cervantes, a devoted supporter of women’s soccer, took full advantage of.
“I’m actually here to support the USWNT who plays next but came early because of the ticket promo and wanted to watch Mexico play as well.”
Cervantes expressed a similar sentiment to Fuentes about the weather and her surprise at the sizable turnout despite the adverse cold and rain.
“I am surprised there’s already so many people here with how hard it’s been raining today,” she said.
After the match, impressed with the level of competition, Cervantes commended the event’s importance for all participating nations. “The CONCACAF needed these types of events for years. It’s easy for the USWNT fans to come and support because we are always playing something whether it’s the She Believes Cup, Friendlies or other whatever other competitions, but other nations don’t get anything if they can’t qualify for the World Cup,” Cervantes said. “So, this is good for them, and it is only going to help other teams grow and I’m happy for that.”
During one of the most thrilling match ups of the gold cup between the U.S. women’s soccer team and Mexico soccer team.
Julia Herrera expressed her excitement for being there for her team and the vibrant energy at the stadium. “I don’t really know what motivated me to come to support. I guess you can say I love my team and my country. It’s honestly just great to be able to come support them for such an important game.”
Herrera praised the amazing atmosphere created by fans. “The energy today is amazing. I think it really is a much better energy than the last two games. The chants were great, the oles and even the wave that went around a couple of times. You could tell everyone was invested in the game.”
For Herrera, seeing the growth of the Mexico team in just a few years was very significant. She emphasized the importance of the Women’s Gold Cup in advancing women’s soccer globally. “I think the impact of the Gold Cup is huge. I mean, the men have the Gold Cup every two years as well and that’s always a great competition. Now finally, having it also be for the women’s teams is another step forward.”
A growth that is importantly significant to Marcus Johnson, attending with his daughters who are avid supporters of the USWNT, who acknowledged the dedication of fans despite the inclement weather. “I have to admit that I didn’t expect there to be such a large crowd today with the rain. We almost didn’t come because of it, but made it here, anyway.”
Johnson’s daughters, excited to be in the front row, created signs for their favorite player, Alex Morgan, adding to the festive atmosphere to the game.
“We were in the front row and got to see Alex up close, so that was really fun. My daughters made these signs especially for her with so much love.
After the game Fatima Nieto, a passionate supporter for the Mexico team, reflected on the unexpected turnout despite the rain and historic win against the USWNT. “The best moment for me has to be the 1-0 goal. Only because Jaquie is my favorite player of all time. And it made me so happy to see her score such an important goal against such a great team.”
Nieto, attending the event with friends, described the infectious energy that permeated the stadium. “Attending the Women’s Gold Cup with my friends was an unforgettable experience. The energy at the stadium was contagious, and we couldn’t help but cheer every time people around us started to cheer too.”
Nieto witnessed a historic moment as Mexico triumphed over the USWNT, recognizing the significance of the victory. “Mexico just beat the USWNT. I can’t even begin to imagine the impact that the win is going to have. I know it made an impact on me seeing the top-level competition that every team has.”
As the Women’s Gold Cup group stage games unfolded, fans like Nieto and Johnson with his daughters remained undeterred by the rain, showcasing their unwavering support for their favorite teams. Support that is sure to follow up in the knockout stages of the competition and all the way to the final at Snapdragon Stadium on March 10.
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