World Cup Final Brings Area Youth Soccer Club Closer

Watching the U.S. women's soccer team lose Sunday to Japan on penalty kicks might have been a let down for area soccer fans, but gathering together an a local restaurant to watch the thrilling match was a big win for one local youth club.

“Sometimes this sort of thing happens. It’s disappointing, but it was still one great game,” said Linda Bowen, a Hartland mother of two youth soccer players, who watched the game with her kids as part of a group of 50 parents, players and coaches of Michigan Alliance FC at Buffalo Wild Wings in Genoa Township.

Members of the Livingston County-based youth elite soccer club cheered loudly as the U.S. team — which last won the world cup in 1999 — twice took leads. But they also grumbled about officiating and missed opportunities as Japan battled back to tie the game 2-2 and eventually took the title 3-1 in penalty kicks. And yet, other than the loss, they wouldn't have it any other way.

“This is a perfect moment in soccer,” said Joe Gormley, who has three children who play on club teams. “It’s been so long since the U.S. has been in this position. Not only that, but it’s on a weekend and we can sit in the AC and watch it because it's 90 degrees out. I love it.”

It also was a chance to root for heroes. Kasey Codd, 13, who plays midfield for an Alliance team and attends in Brighton, had been looking forward to the match plus watching her favorite player.

“I really like Lauren Cheney,” Codd said. “She’s really great at what she does and it makes me want to try harder when I play.”

In addition, those involved in the club said the event was great for bonding. The club has more than 50 teams for children whose ages range from 9-18.

“They’re (Hartland, Brighton and Howell) disconnected through the school systems but soccer helps them intertwine, and I think that’s why it’s so important for our club to do more things in the community when we can,” said Bowen, who's two children who play soccer in the club also attended.

“To continue growing as we have so well in the past, we need more outings like this.”

Editor's note: This story was updated to correct Joe Gormley's connection to the club. He has not served the Michigan Alliance board.