Seattle soccer fans cheer on U.S. Women's National Team

SEATTLE, Wash. -- The Ninety is normally the official gathering place for Sounders FC fans, but instead of cheering on the rave green, hundreds packed the space to root for the U.S. Women’s National Team as they took on Japan.

As the game went on, fans hugged, cried and shrieked with every goal.

“It was really amazing at the beginning how Carli Lloyd, scored a hat trick in the first 16 minutes,” said 12-year old Sawyer Vondra, one of the fans at the official Seattle Reigns FC viewing party.

Team U.S.A. scored five goals against Japan’s two, leading the U.S. to its third Women’s World Cup title, and exorcising the demons from the last World Cup Final four years ago.

Max Shaw couldn’t contain her emotions at the viewing party, especially as she thought of Seattle Reign FC players Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe.

“Knowing these girls and knowing Hope and Megan and knowing it’s their last go, they deserve it more than anything,” said Shaw.

Thanks to the Women’s World Cup, the Seattle Reign FC representatives said they’re already seeing ticket sales soar.

“Women’s professional soccer, I think is really going to explode after this world cup,” said Seattle Reign FC Marketing Director Brandon Kolp. “As for the Seattle Reign, we are already seeing ticket sales increase. People are just coming in droves and want to see Hope and Megan live.”

Fans said this win wasn’t just for soccer but for all women’s sports.

“It’s a great example for what women can do, especially to these young girls,” said Allison Dalelio, an Olympia resident who came to Seattle for the viewing party.

Seattle Reign stars goalkeeper Hope Solo and midfielder Megan Rapinoe are expected back in Seattle on Saturday, July 11, for their big homecoming match, which will be another opportunity for fans to engage with their heroes from this year's World Cup.