Fans were on their feet at Back Nine Grill as the U.S. women's soccer team survived an exciting match to take home their third straight gold in a 2-1 victory over Japan.
Pittsford native Abby Wambach helped seal the win in a nail-biting rematch of last year's World Cup match-up, when Japan won after a series of penalty kicks.
"This time around was so much sweeter after that loss," said Abby's brother Matt Wambach, who part owns the bar.
The energy buzzed as fans young and old packed the bar inside and out to eat, drink, and show their support. When Carli Lloyd's goal in the first half put the U.S. up by one, the crowd erupted into cheers.
In the second half, Japan scored, making it 2-1. A hush fell over the fans as Wambach went down more than once to draw fouls, only to be followed by audible sounds of relief when she rose.
With the final minutes of regulation winding down, goalkeeper Hope Solo made a diving save on a close shot from Japan's Asuna Tanaka to preserve the lead.
Wambach drew a yellow card in the 89th minute, but it failed to give Japan the burst they needed.
The last seconds expired as fans chanted, "USA! USA! USA!" The players on screen embraced as those watching followed suit.
A special cheer rose as was shown running Wambach with the American flag — a gift from parents Peter and Judy.
The U.S. team has won four of five gold medals since women's soccer was introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
"I just feel so happy for them, and proud," said Janet Wambach, Abby's sister-in-law. Just then, the camera cut to fans cheering on location.
"Now that's cool," she said.
Fans were on their feet at Back Nine Grill as the U.S. women's soccer team survived an exciting match to take home their third straight gold in a 2-1 victory over Japan.
Pittsford native Abby Wambach helped seal the win in a nail-biting rematch of last year's World Cup match-up, when Japan won after a series of penalty kicks.
"This time around was so much sweeter after that loss," said Abby's brother Matt Wambach, who part owns the bar.
The energy buzzed as fans young and old packed the bar inside and out to eat, drink, and show their support. When Carli Lloyd's goal in the first half put the U.S. up by one, the crowd erupted into cheers.
In the second half, Japan scored, making it 2-1. A hush fell over the fans as Wambach went down more than once to draw fouls, only to be followed by audible sounds of relief when she rose.
With the final minutes of regulation winding down, goalkeeper Hope Solo made a diving save on a close shot from Japan's Asuna Tanaka to preserve the lead.
Wambach drew a yellow card in the 89th minute, but it failed to give Japan the burst they needed.
The last seconds expired as fans chanted, "USA! USA! USA!" The players on screen embraced as those watching followed suit.
A special cheer rose as was shown running Wambach with the American flag — a gift from parents Peter and Judy.
The U.S. team has won four of five gold medals since women's soccer was introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
"I just feel so happy for them, and proud," said Janet Wambach, Abby's sister-in-law. Just then, the camera cut to fans cheering on location.
"Now that's cool," she said.
