Cheers erupt at Murphy Central Park as the United States scores during a World Cup watch party Wednesday, July 1. Soccer fans of all ages gathered to watch the Americans take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on the park’s big screen. Bob Wieland/Murphy Monitor

Soccer fans packed the Murphy Central Park Amphitheater Wednesday evening, cheering every goal as the United States advanced to the Round of 16 during a community World Cup watch party hosted by Texas Warriors FC.

The Murphy-based youth soccer club held the event in conjunction with its annual Signing Day celebration. Families began arriving as early as 5 p.m. to enjoy vendors, food trucks, a barbecue plate fundraiser and free cleat customization before the watch party kicked off at 7 p.m.

Fans chanted “USA! USA!” as the United States eliminated Bosnia and Herzegovina from World Cup competition.

The temperature in Murphy was 92 degrees with a light breeze as the Round of 32 match began in Santa Clara, California. A large-screen television on the stage of the Central Park Amphitheater brought the action — complete with Spanish-language commentary — to hundreds of residents gathered beneath more than 20 colorful canopies spread across the hillside.

Folarin Balogun’s early goal brought the crowd to its feet. Fans later booed and groaned when he received a red card that could have sidelined him for the Round of 16 match against Belgium.

The 2-0 victory was sealed by Malik Tillman’s free kick, giving the U.S. men’s national team its first knockout-stage victory since 2002.

Despite the drama on the screen, many young fans alternated between watching the match and creating games of their own as they chased soccer balls across the park.

Even though he was not watching every minute of the game, 9-year-old Arturo of Wylie admitted he could picture himself playing on a World Cup field one day.

“Me? Well, you know, maybe,” Arturo said.

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