A Night of Soccer and Community
When the U.S. men's national team faced Turkey in a tightly contested World Cup match, a group of soccer enthusiasts in Bloomington‑Normal converged at the Brass Pig Smoke & Alehouse, a downtown tavern known for its hearty fare and lively atmosphere.
The final score ended 3‑2 in Turkey’s favor, but the disappointment was quickly eclipsed by the roar of cheers as fans like Bailey Levine and her friends raised their glasses, savoring the pub’s signature wings while following every pass.
Among them was Treyson Bixby, a former collegiate player whose passion for the game shone through as he named Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic among his favorite U.S. stars, while also expressing hope to see emerging talents such as Ricardo Pepi, Brendan Aaronson and Gio Reyna get more minutes on the field.
John Solberg, the establishment’s owner, described the scene as electric and rowdy, noting that the crowd’s energy turned a simple watch party into a community celebration. He added that he plans to bring the excitement outdoors, targeting a July 1 event in the new downtown amphitheater.
The gathering underscored how local venues can serve as gathering points for national pride, linking the city’s vibrant sports culture with broader regional institutions such as Illinois Wesleyan University, which has long supported youth athletics.