Spirits high at World Cup watch party as USMNT bests Bosnia and Herzegovina

Emphatic screams and chants of those in red, white and blue could be heard at P. Wexford’s Pub in Modesto on Wednesday evening as the United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32.

The McHenry Avenue pub served as a common ground for a patriotic fanbase whose team played just 90 minutes west in Santa Clara.

Spirits were particularly high before the game began as patrons arose from their seats as the national anthem was sung at Levi’s Stadium.

Many could be heard chanting “U-S-A” long before the home team found the goal for the first time in the 31st minute. Although the call was quickly reversed, prompting boos and jeers from fans, it gave a glimpse into the energy that fans brought into the pub.

The same infectious joy quickly returned moments later, in perhaps the most emphatic moment of the evening. The U.S. Men’s National Team scored another in the 45th minute. That one counted.

Boosted by a bit of home-field advantage, many fans were hopeful the U.S. could overcome the region that’s become a thorn in its side on the international stage: Europe. Before this week’s matchup, the U.S. had lost 10 straight matches against European opponents.

And historically, the men’s team has struggled in the knockout rounds, making it to the elimination stage seven times but winning only once, against Mexico in 2002.

While the Round of 32 match was an uphill battle, you wouldn’t know it from the fans who pledged their full faith to a team that hasn’t been a blueblood in the football world.

Brian Eugeni, treasurer of the American Outlaws Modesto chapter, noted the joy of watching the U.S.play as the sport becomes more popular — in part because of how close the match was to Modesto.

The American Outlaws organization is dedicated to expanding access for soccer and supporting the women’s and men’s national teams, along with youth programs. Eugeni’s group has hosted several watch parties at P. Wexford’s.

“I grew up here playing soccer when it wasn’t even popular.” Eugeni said, “Now, we’re finally getting to realize the benefits of all of those years of playing here, coaching here — I was a coach for, like, over 20 years.”

For Team USA fan Elijah Suarez, his love for football started before he was ever born.

“My mom was pregnant with me in ‘94 when her and my dad went to the World Cup, and first (saw) it, and now, I felt it was only right to go,” Suarez said. “So, I went to see Switzerland and Qatar and dropped some of my dad’s ashes off at the stadium.”

Suarez noted that his love for the sport transcends borders. As a San Jose Earthquakes fan, he’s excited to see it spread across a nation, where it’s taken the back seat to more popular pastimes.

In the end, the U.S. didn’t concede a goal, with the final score being 2-0. After the win, fans belted out “Take Me Home, Country Road” and “Sweet Caroline.”

Both tunes have cemented themselves as unofficial anthems for this year’s tournament, with the John Denver classic first sung on June 19 after the U.S. beat Australia, 2-0. Ironically, Neil Diamond’s tune is more commonly associated with England’s fanbase.

While the U.S. lost in the Round of 16 in the World Cup in 2022 hosted in Qatar, Eugeni said he will return to P. Wexford’s on Monday in hopes that his team will make history.

The U.S. will play Belgium at Seattle Stadium at 5 p.m.

“I hope we avenge ourselves,” Eugeni said. “And if we don’t, we’re going to have a good time trying.”