South Orange Catches Soccer Fever

Patriotism was running high on Tuesday as the United States Women’s Soccer team advanced to the finals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since winning the tournament in 1999.  Most cities around the country were celebrating the 3-1 victory over France, and South Orange was no different.  At , patrons cheered along with the rest of the nation with chants of “USA, USA, USA” after every goal.

“This was a great day for the U.S.A. and women’s soccer,” said Leslie Pogany, owner of Bunny’s.  “They are great role models for the youth growing up, and what a representation for our country.  To beat France, Ooo La La!”

Among the patrons watching the game on some of the restaurant’s 18 big screen televisions was the Columbia High School girls’ soccer team.  The Cougars, coming off their , watched in awe as Abby Wambach broke the tie in the 79^th minute to put the U.S. ahead for good.

“It’s a great opportunity to see great soccer,” said Olivia Mangan, co-captain of the team and a CHS senior from Maplewood.  “As a team, to be able to watch these women play representing USA, it's just great to watch them and improve as players too.”

The girls talked of one day playing for the United States.  CHS sophomore Georgia Weekes of Maplewood mentioned that it is her dream to play for the team. 

“Probably someday, I'll try my hardest to get out there and have fun,” said Weekes.

For Bunny’s and other restaurants around South Orange, the tournament provides a boost in business.  Bunny’s, which usually opens at 2:00 p.m., opened three hours earlier just to broadcast the game to their patrons. 

“The longer the U.S. is in it, the bigger the crowds seem to get,” said Dan Johnson, bartender at Bunny’s.  “We’re excited for that, commerce wise.”

The finals of the World Cup will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 17.  The opponents for the United States will be Japan.