Waaaaay  back at the beginning of the year, when my friend Jenny first suggested buying tickets to the Women’s World Cup, we had no way of knowing who would be in the final. We just knew that it would be fun to attend the match no matter who was there, and of course there was a good chance it would be the US, as they are one of the top teams in the world.

Flash forward to the US vs Germany semi-final match, and I was so nervous we wouldn’t make it. Germany is phenomenal. But they looked tired in this game, and they were missing their best player. Even so, they make a formidable opponent. Somehow we managed to eek out a victory and we were headed to the final! Suddenly those tickets for the World Cup final we bought months ago were the hottest ticket in town! I was SO glad we already got them!

After spending the 4th of July in Ferndale, we got an early start to Vancouver. We wanted to make sure to get there in time to see all the pre-game ceremonies. Jenny and I took the water taxi across the river to the stadium. It’s so cute!

We made it in plenty time for warm ups.

There are so many people here for the US. The crowd was electric!

Next it’s time for the pre-game ceremonies. I especially love the mountie bringing out the trophy.

After introductions and the national anthems, it’s time!

In the 3rd minute, Carly Lloyd takes a corner from Megan Rapinoe and puts it in the back of the net! Goal!!!

Just a few minutes later, Carly scores again off a free kick. Goal!!!

What a crazy game! I thought for sure Japan would be tough, but this is crazy. A few short minutes later, Carly Lloyd sees the keeper off her line and sends one over her head from midfield. The US ends up scoring 4 goals in 16 minutes. It’s absolutely incredible!

Japan manages to get one back before the half and they go into the locker rooms with the score 4-1. I was also impressed with the Japanese fans. They were seriously outnumbered, but cheered their team on with so much enthusiasm.

Oh yeah, and VP Joe Biden decided to check out the game, too.

Have I mentioned how impressed I am with Julie Johnston? She ends up being my favorite player of the entire tournament (she’s #19).

The second half wasn’t quite as exciting, but each team managed to get another goal.

Everyone waits for the final whistle to blow…

…and finally it goes! The US wins 5-2!!! The US has just won the 2015 Women’s World Cup!!

I’m going to let the photos do the talking here.

This was such an incredible experience and I’m so glad I made the decision to go!