On a warm summer night in the heart of downtown Portland, soccer fans gathered en masse at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Friday to watch the U.S. women’s national team face Vietnam in their 2023 FIFA World Cup opener.
Two Portland Thorns players started for the USWNT: Sophia Smith and Crystal Dunn. That added to the intrigue for local fans, who attended the watch party hosted by The Sports Bra and youth soccer nonprofit Portland Community Football Club.
Festivities included Vietnamese food served by local restaurants, games, and a screening before the match of classic soccer film “Bend It Like Beckham.” Fans of all ages cheered on USWNT and brought some of the signature spirit the Rose City Riveters supporters’ group is known for.
Smith gave them plenty to cheer for, scoring the opening goal for the U.S. in the 14th minute.
— Ryan Clarke, rclarke@oregonian.com, Twitter: @RyanTClarke