More than 300 fans packed in the sports bar and rooftop restaurant at Sandia Resort & Casino Friday to watch the United State Men’s National Team take on England in group play of the 2022 World Cup.
The Neighborhood Journal was there to capture the scene as the USMNT got an impressive but unsatisfying 0-0 draw against the European power.
Volcano Vista High School alum and New Mexico United superfan Carlos Tenorio, also known as Sombrero Man, was among many in the large crowd wearing red, white and blue.
Dianne Swan, who lives in Albuquerque but was born in London, was there wearing a Chelsea kit and cheering for the players on her Premier League club. Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling are Chelsea players on the English team, and Christian Pulisic plays for America.
“I am strictly American, but I’m cheering for everyone,” Swan said at halftime. “It’s great football. America really needs to win. I am a Chelsea through and through; we have three players on the English side and of course, Captain America Pulisic on America. I’m just cheering for good football.”
Swan got part of her wish as the match was very entertaining, but America couldn’t pull off the upset.
Here’s what the watch party looked like during the match:
