Philadelphia Soccer Fan Says Dramatic Win Raises Sport's Profile In US
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The USA is moving on to the semifinals after eliminating Brazil at the Women's World Cup in Dresden, Germany (read the full story). And one soccer enthusiast says it's games like this that are making soccer more popular in America.
It's being described as one of the most exciting games in Women's World Cup history. In fact, some are calling it the best US soccer match ever -- men's or women's.
The US won 5-3 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie. Abby Wambach scored the tying goal in the 122nd minute off a cross from former Philadelphia Independence midfielder Megan Rapinoe, when many thought the game was all but over.
Corey Furlan, Vice President of the Sons of Ben--an independent group that supports Philadelphia soccer says the game was dramatic, "The grit and fortitude that they showed. That never say die attitude that they came back. I think they played close to 70 minutes a player short." (Rachel Buehler was red carded in the 65th minute.)
And Furlan says that kind of drama leads to the sport gaining more fans.
"It's only a matter of time before it takes off in this country. Women's soccer gets a bum rap, but you know what? It's exciting, it's fun and it's a beautiful game."
The Americans play France in the semifinal Wednesday.
Suzanne Monaghan, KYW Newsradio 1060
