- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,170,212
- Reaction score
- 59
Jun. 20—AIKEN — On June 19, local kids and their families were able to witness the United States Men's National Soccer Team defeat Australia 2-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match during a watch party on the University of South Carolina Aiken's campus.
The U16/U17 Boys and Girls Aiken Futbol Club (AFC) teams were hosting the event, which brought in lifelong soccer fans and several dipping their toes into the sport.
"The World Cup is an opportunity every four years to bring nations together. It unites people from different backgrounds, it brings different cultures and experiences together through one united language, the language of soccer," said Terrence Charles, head coach for the U16/U17 Boys AFC team.
"Outside of being a soccer player, I think it's important to be able to cheer on your country, to have something to root for, especially in something this big. And it's exciting that it's here in the United States," added Kinsie Mitchell, head coach for the girls U17 AFC team and assistant women's soccer coach for USCA.
Two young fans spoke during the game's halftime about what got them interested in soccer and what it was like for them to watch the U.S. compete.
Henry Kramer, 9, said he started watching soccer when he was 4 years old because of his dad, Branden Kramer.
"It's fun when they score a goal. It's fun when they celebrate, everybody jumps up and celebrates," he said about being about the watch party crowd.
Dawson Winn, 8, said that it was "exciting" for him to watch the U.S. play. He said he has loves soccer since he was about 4 or 5 years old because of "all the amazing players."
A rising junior at South Aiken High School, Caroline Helton said she also has held a love for the sport since childhood.
"Being able to support your country, I think it's really fun," she said when asked what sets the World Cup apart from other tournaments. "I think it just brings you pride in seeing your country do well."
She said the energy in the room was "very energetic."
"Everyone is here to support the U.S. and they all want to see them succeed," she added.
The U.S.'s June 19 win will take them to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Continue reading...
The U16/U17 Boys and Girls Aiken Futbol Club (AFC) teams were hosting the event, which brought in lifelong soccer fans and several dipping their toes into the sport.
"The World Cup is an opportunity every four years to bring nations together. It unites people from different backgrounds, it brings different cultures and experiences together through one united language, the language of soccer," said Terrence Charles, head coach for the U16/U17 Boys AFC team.
"Outside of being a soccer player, I think it's important to be able to cheer on your country, to have something to root for, especially in something this big. And it's exciting that it's here in the United States," added Kinsie Mitchell, head coach for the girls U17 AFC team and assistant women's soccer coach for USCA.
Two young fans spoke during the game's halftime about what got them interested in soccer and what it was like for them to watch the U.S. compete.
Henry Kramer, 9, said he started watching soccer when he was 4 years old because of his dad, Branden Kramer.
"It's fun when they score a goal. It's fun when they celebrate, everybody jumps up and celebrates," he said about being about the watch party crowd.
Dawson Winn, 8, said that it was "exciting" for him to watch the U.S. play. He said he has loves soccer since he was about 4 or 5 years old because of "all the amazing players."
A rising junior at South Aiken High School, Caroline Helton said she also has held a love for the sport since childhood.
"Being able to support your country, I think it's really fun," she said when asked what sets the World Cup apart from other tournaments. "I think it just brings you pride in seeing your country do well."
She said the energy in the room was "very energetic."
"Everyone is here to support the U.S. and they all want to see them succeed," she added.
The U.S.'s June 19 win will take them to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Continue reading...
