There was an international buzz in East Hartford Tuesday night as soccer fans headed to Rentschler Field as the U.S. men took on Peru.
For many it was a chance to see their favorite team from thousands of miles away. This was an exhibition game or friendly as the soccer world calls it, but the game’s status made little difference to the thousands of fans who were excited to be there in person for this rare matchup.
This was just the third time the two teams have faced off since 2000.
Many Peru fans were thrilled at the chance to see the team from their native country thousands of miles away.
“It’s total excitement. From my house to here is five minutes. So what else could I want? You know? They came super close to me,” said Maggie Villegas of East Hartford.
“We came to see our team, our country’s soccer team. We hope they win,” said Jimmy Contreas of Hartford.
While Peru seemed to win in numbers, USA fans held strong.
Sports
The turnout and the enthusiasm are proof fans say of soccer’s growing popularity in the area.
“The more that we do this stuff up here the better. We’ve got a great crowd no doubt,” said Dave Blumes of New Britain.
In the end, the U.S. and Peru tied 1-1.
