Finals watch party

University of Portland to host World Cup final watch party at Blitz Ladd

The University of Portland will be hosting a Women’s World Cup final watch party at Blitz Ladd, 2239 SE 11th Ave. The USA women’s national team will be facing Japan for the title on Sunday, July 17, with coverage beginning at 11 a.m. and kick-off set for 11:45 a.m.

All are welcome to attend (children included) and help cheer on the USA and University of Portland alumnae Megan Rapinoe and Stephanie Cox, who are both on the roster. Those attending are encouraged to wear either Portland Pilots gear or USA apparel.

Rapinoe, an all-American and West Coast Conference player of the year while at UP, has become a breakout star for the US women’s team during their run to the World Cup finals, appearing in all five games and scoring one goal and two assists. Cox, who was a three-time all-American defender on The Bluff and has played in 73 games for the US national team, has appeared in two matches at the World Cup and has one assist.

In what has widely been described as one of the most dramatic moments in sports history, Rapinoe was the catalyst in the United States’ shocking come-from-behind victory in Sunday’s quarterfinal match against Brazil. Trailing 2-1 and playing with just 10 players, mere seconds away from the final whistle in extra time, Rapinoe sent a memorable left-footed cross to the head of star striker Abby Wambach for the improbable equalizer in the 123rd minute.

Rapinoe followed that performance by entering in the second half in Wednesday’s semifinal against France and energizing the US team with her trademark aggressive attacking style. With the game tied 1-1 when Rapinoe came onto the field, the US team quickly scored twice to seal their berth into the final game.

The University of Portland has a storied history of excellence at the collegiate and international levels. The Pilots won national titles in 2002 and 2005, and have led the nation in attendance for six consecutive seasons. Four former Portland women’s soccer standouts played in the 2011 World Cup, and alumnae such as Tiffeny Milbrett and Shannon MacMillan were mainstays on the US national team.

A very cool event... I am bummed I will be in the woods of Idaho without TV... I may have to hike to a bar.

I can vouch for Blitz Ladd as a great place to eat, drink, watch sports and play table tennis & shuffleboard... it's a great venue for this event! The place has PLENTY of seating, good food and many TV's.

GO USA!

(And if it is too early for bar food, Kettlemen is right next door for all your bagel noshing desires.... If you like spice, the jalapeno cream cheese is fantastic!)

Just an FYI on this... there will be a bus picking up people from Pioneer Square at 10:30 for those who don't want to deal with driving and parking. Just take the MAX or bus to Pioneer Square.

Spread the word on this... it's going to be awesome!

Sounds awesome. If it weren't for an equally epic annual family BBQ happening Saturday I'd definitely be going. As it is I'm unlikely to be back in town by the time this event starts.

USA Today article mentions the Finals Watching Party
Finals Watching Party

Check out this article on men's enthusiasm for the US WNT and the World Cup -- they are buying Rapinoe jerseys
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304203304576448101554101370.html