THETFORD — They weren’t exactly praying for a win for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the First Congregational Church on Friday, but given the setting, they couldn’t be blamed if they did.
The church hosted an afternoon watch party for the World Cup soccer match between the USMNT and Australia, which the U.S. won 2-0.
That watch party was organized by Charlie Buttrey, the church’s Theologian in Residence. But Friday was just about soccer rather than theology, unless it was faith in the American team’s chances of winning the tournament.
The watch party was an opportunity to build community.
“We as a society are doing less social stuff, and what a great opportunity to get people together and do something,” Buttrey said. “There are a lot of people here who are in the church, but a bunch who aren’t. …. We’re not evangelizing, we have a space, and let’s do something fun here.”
Nearly 30 folks turned out Friday to enjoy the camaraderie, eat some snacks and cheer on the USMNT.
Among them was Pam Kneisel, of Thetford, who had already been enjoying the tournament, which started June 11 and culminates with the championship game on July 19 at Metlife Stadium outside New York City.
“I’ve been watching a lot of games on my own, and so this is a lot of fun to be with other people screaming at what’s happening,” she said.
Kneisel singled out Lionel Messi’s trio of goals in Argentina’s opening game of the tournament as a particularly enjoyable performance. While she was rooting for the U.S. on Friday, Kneisel said she’s open minded when it comes to cheering on other nations.
“USA has had a great run so far, so we’ll see, I wouldn’t mind,” she said, “but I’m not totally invested in one team or the other.”
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The global nature of the World Cup was also what attracted Erin Donahue, of East Thetford, to Friday’s gathering.
“It’s the world, which I think is great for us,” she said, “to get outside of the US and be international for a moment.”
While admittedly not a huge soccer fan, Donahue still found herself in awe of the athleticism and skill on display.
“These soccer players have a spatial awareness of the field like no other sport, and they can see where the ball needs to be and what player’s headed that way before I even know what’s going on,” she said.
Buttrey said he’s not done hosting watch parties. The USMNT is guaranteed at least two more games. It has another Pool D game Thursday against Turkey. And with the win Friday over Australia, the U.S. team has already secured itself a spot in the 32-team knockout round that starts after pool play ends on June 27.
“Why not come and have more watch parties …. even if the US is out, if there are people who want to watch,” he said. “My personal favorite is Scotland.”
