Strip District Tavern Is Place To Watch World Cup Soccer In Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The popularity of soccer is growing in the United States.
In Pittsburgh, Thursday's World Cup game against Germany captivated customers at Mullaney's Harp and Fiddle in the Strip District.
"The more often we get in it, the better it is," says tavern owner David Regan. "And it just builds and builds and builds. It's kind of exciting."
Customer Jerry Hughes grew up watching soccer. His son grew up playing it.
"My kid played soccer in high school, and of course we were all soccer parents," he says. "But I just see it generally changing for the better."
"When I was a kid there weren't a lot of places that had soccer," Rich Barcaskey says. "But it's expanding more and more, and I think more and more people understand the game, and know what to look for."
Unlike her father, Grace Barcaskey has grown up with the sport.
"It's just really fun to play," she says. "I really like it. I really like to play it."
Customer Katy Gresh never paid much attention, till she met her soccer playing fiancé.
"Ever since he came into my life a few years ago, I've become a big fan," she says.
"We watched the first game together and she was instantly hooked," says her fiancé, Kevin Murphy. "She was enthusiastic, and had a good time with it, and we had fun watching it."
The American team lost to Germany 1-0, but Portugal beat Ghana.
Based on the World Cup point system, the USA will move on to the next round anyway. Depending on scheduling, it's likely the crowd at Mullaney's will be back, as well.
RELATED LINKS:
USA Advances To Round Of 16 Despite 1-0 Loss To Germany (6/26/14)
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