Making history

32,950 announced attendance tonight at the Superdome to see the World Cup Champion US Women's National Soccer Team play an exhibition game vs. China. That's a Louisiana record for a women's soccer game.  Heck, that's like a whole season's worth of attendance for Tulane football if they're lucky. 

The draw for fans was not only a chance to get in on the World Cup "Victory Tour" but also to see all time career goals leader Abby Wambach play in her final international game.

It was her 255th appearance for the national team. Her most promising chance to score — a quick toe-poke from about 12 yards out in the first half — dribbled weakly to the goalkeeper, and she finished her national team career with 184 goals, the record in international play for both women and men.

All night the stands gushed with cheers and affection for Wambach, who played in four World Cups (winning one) and captured two Olympic gold medals. In 2012, she was named the FIFA World Player of the Year.

“She will be irreplaceable,” Coach Jill Ellis said.

Unfortunately for the record crowd, the US team lost 1-0.  A late apparent goal would have equalized the score but was negated by an offsides call that we sure didn't see from where we were sitting.  And yet, even this outcome was an historic occasion in and of itself. 

Before losing to China on Wednesday, the U.S. — who won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada this summer — had not lost in 104 matches on home soil, winning 91 and drawing the rest.

And it happened in our stadium.  I blame Bronze Tom.