Thousands in Lincoln Park watch as U.S. women’s team wins World Cup title

The crowd exploded at a watch party Sunday, July 7, 2019, gathered in Lincoln Park when Megan Rapinoe put the U.S. women’s team up 1-0 in the World Cup finals against the Netherlands. The U.S. won the game 2-0. | Mitch Dudek/Sun-Times

Thousands gathered Sunday to watch the U.S. women’s soccer team win the World Cup finals against the Netherlands in a field just south of the Lincoln Park Zoo.

The crowd exploded when purple-haired Megan Rapinoe scored a goal early in the second half to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead over the Netherlands. The U.S. won 2-0.

Another goal moments later detonated the crowd again.

“This is awesome,” said Karen Murtagh, who brought her 4-year-old daughter Rita.

“I like that all these people are in this field and the energy behind it,” said Murtaugh, 45, who lives downtown and works in sales.

“These are great female athletes, and it’s awesome to see successful women receive this attention.”

Karen Murtagh and her 4-year-old daughter Rita joined thousands of others who gathered in Lincoln Park Sunday, July 7, 2019, to watch the U.S. women’s team defeat the Netherlands in the World Cup final. | Mitch Dudek/Sun-Times

Rita, wearing an Alex Morgan jersey, kicked a soccer ball with her stuffed pet canine Fluffy.

“This soccer is exciting because they don’t flop around and pretend to be injured like the men,” said Emily Ernst, 25, of Naperville.

“The men are such babies,” she said.

The crowd, which the U.S. Soccer Association estimated to be 9,000, included Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her family.