Every four years, the World Cup provides the non-soccer fan with a glimpse of why the beautiful game is beloved by so many fans throughout the world. For Orlando natives, this year’s World Cup provides a different meaning, however, as Orlando City’s arrival to the City has created more hardcore soccer fans locally. Support for the USMNT was expected to be at an all-time high- despite most pundits predicting a crash and burn World Cup run for the Red, White and Blue.

If there was any doubt about whether or not there would be an increase in passion and support, last night’s World Cup Watch Party, hosted by Orlando City, erased any doubt, as over 4,000 people were on hand at Wall Street Plaza to watch the USMNT collect three points over Ghana in memorable fashion.

Wall Street Plaza was flooded with Red, White and Blue, with hints of purple in between, and when Clint Dempsey’s strike found the back of the net, just 30 seconds into the match, a roar of jubilation and patriotism could be heard all throughout the streets of Downtown Orlando. Chants of USA, USA, USA echoed throughout Wall Street and fans who had only just met, hugged and high-fived the person closest to them as if they’ve known each other for numerous years.

When Ghana managed to equalize 80 minutes later, ‘I Believe That We Will Win’ became the song of choice, with fans hoping that the USMNT could actually hear them. As Ghana continued to relentlessly attack and with the U.S. appearing to lose momentum, a draw seemed to be their only hope. But when substitute John Brooks found the back of the net with a cracking header, right before the final whistle, the apprehensiveness was removed from the air and the partying officially began at Wall Street Plaza.

Earlier today, ESPN released the top World Cup Markets in the United States and Orlando was ranked in the top five, alongside Washington D.C., San Francisco, New York and Boston.
Combine that with the thousands of people that were in attendance to watch the U.S. at Wall Street Plaza, and I think it’s safe to say that Orlando Is Watching!

Orlando City will be hosting watch parties for all remaining USA games at Wall Street Plaza. The Watch Parties are 21 and up.