Last Tuesday, I was treated to one of the most exciting sporting events I have ever witnessed in person, watching Damian Lillard hit a game-tying 3-pointer not once, but twice, only to lose in double overtime to the Denver Nuggets (Bear with me, the rest of this blog is about football). It was hard to imagine that I would witness an even more exciting sporting event in-person just 5 days later.
The Build-Up
When it was announced the CONCACAF Nations League Finals would be played in Denver, there was no doubt in my mind I had to go. It felt too good to be true that the USMNT’s first meaningful matches in nearly 2 years were being played in my city. We had seen individual brilliance by young Americans playing for some of the world’s biggest clubs (shameless plug to read more about this from my last blog), so it was a no-brainer to purchase tickets for the final. I took a gamble and assumed both USA and Mexico would win their semi-final matches against Honduras and Costa Rica, with some peace of mind knowing I would at least still be able to see the third-place game (a great gamble that was, tickets were more than double what we paid the day of the final). Both Mexico and USA barely defeated their opponents, but nonetheless, I got what I wanted - an epic matchup between bitter rivals for a chance to lift a trophy.
The Day Of: Before the Final
As we headed toward the stadium, it was quickly apparent that American fans were heavily outnumbered in their own country. Being from San Diego, I’m accustomed to Mexican culture, so it was really fun to see their passion and the atmosphere (my friend with me is from Oklahoma, so it was a little more novel for him). It almost felt like I was back home. Despite being outnumbered, we realized quickly that this game was going to provide an atmosphere unlike anything we had ever seen.
We got there early and watched the third-place game, and it was nothing short of spectacular. A 2-2 finish that went to penalty kicks that took place on the side we were sitting closest to. Honduras ended up winning in the sixth round of penalties to claim third place, and we were showered with beer by a very passionate Honduran fan behind us. We couldn’t even be mad at passion like that.
The Game
The stadium quickly filled in, and hearing each national anthem was electric. It’s the first time I can genuinely say I felt connected to the Star Spangled Banner. 63 seconds into the game, Mexico scored and the stadium erupted. Thankfully, the Mexican fans near us were polite and friendly, or else I would’ve been even more annoyed than I already was having allowed a goal so early on.
Just minutes after a second Mexican goal was disallowed (they were SO cocky when the second goal went in), Gio Reyna fired home a rebound on our side of the stadium to level up the score, and we went nuts. The score remained 1-1 through halftime and well into the second half, although both sides had ample opportunities to score.
The second Mexican youngster Diego Lainez entered the game, his impact was felt. Only 5’6”, he was so shifty and had the American defenders on skates, and is surely the future face of Mexican football. He scored in the 79th minute and the game felt lost. Mexican fans once again went nuts, and for the next 3 minutes or so, I felt awfully frustrated until Mexico gifted us a corner that resulted in a Weston McKinnie goal to even the score. After constant stoppages for injuries (and the ref having to briefly suspend the game for anti-gay chants by Mexican fans), the game reached extra-time.
The first half of extra-time was pedestrian, with neither team seriously threatening. The game felt destined for penalties. Then in the second half, Christian Pulisic was fouled in the penalty box, and was awarded a penalty after a VAR review. From the time the foul occurred until the penalty was taken felt like a lifetime. He nailed the penalty, and USA took their first lead of the game, getting pelted with beer cans/bottles and cursed left and right from Mexican fans throughout the stadium (fortunately, the fans around us were civil).
Right before the game came to an end, an American player committed a handball in the box, and Mexico had a golden opportunity to tie the game. Up steps American goalkeeper Ethan Horvath - the Denver native who was subbed in midway through the game after an injury to starting keeper Zack Steffen. The hometown hero ultimately made the save in a movie-like scenario, and USA was eventually able to see off the game and hoist the trophy.
The Aftermath
I can’t believe I was fortunate enough to witness this game. It had everything you asked for and then some. I received so many messages afterwards from friends telling me how jealous they were of me being able to be there. The result was an encouraging sign that both the American national team is filled with promise, and that this wonderful sport is truly showing growth in this country. I highly recommend attending an international match, regardless of the teams playing.