U.S. Women’s Soccer Star “Feels Homey” Being in Chattanooga

August 18, 2015

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF) Who needs to see Rock City in Chattanooga, when you can see the rock stars of U-S women’s soccer. Fresh off their World Cup title, the American team held an open workout Tuesday at Finley Stadium, as they get ready to play Costa Rica tomorrow night in their sold-out exhibition game.

Goalie Hope Solo says she has not experienced much of Chattanooga, except that Southern Hospitality.

"Everybody I ran into from the workers in the hotel to just walking down the street have been incredibly kind. I don’t know. Feels homey being here."

Abby Wambach on the other hand….

"Have I been to Chattanooga before? No I haven’t. I have not been to Chattanooga before. See, I don’t even know where I’ve been."

Oh well…but you can bet Wambach and her teammates will leave fans with plenty of memories of Chattanooga.

Said Wambach,"Coming to Chattanooga. It’s exciting. It’s a small town. We want to be able to reach out and inspire even the fans from a small town. I’m from a small town, so I get it. It’s really exciting."

Added head coach Jill Ellis,"I think for these little girls in Chattanooga and probably the surrounding areas to come out and see their heroes. It’s an amazing outreach for us and obviously a great connection with the fans."

And the players are excited about their "Friendly at Finley".

Said Carli Lloyd,"Little cool, quaint stadium. It’s good so far. I’ve never been here. People have been fantastic. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night."

Even though it’s just an exhibition match, it’s still another chance for these soccer heroes to suit up with each other.

Said Alex Morgan,"Because a lot of players are retiring after this Victory Tour, it’s a time for us to just enjoy each other and have fun out on the field and support each other. Just celebrate with our fans."