Despite the repetitive chants of "USA" and "I believe that we will win" heard at the World Cup SoccerFest and Viewing Party at SteelStacks in Bethlehem on July 1, the U.S. national soccer team played its last match.

Belgium won 2-1 against the United States in the 120-minute game with the US team not having scored until minute 107. The single goal was made by Julian Green, the youngest player in U.S. history to score in the World Cup, only minutes after being placed in the game.

After Belgium scored its second goal, much of the crowd departed, believing that the US had already lost. The suspension felt by the crowd was palpable in the last few minutes of the game as the US team attempted goals and even blocked more."It's such an awesome feeling when they score and everyone cheers," Brian McKenzie of Bethlehem said of the U.S. team.

Many fans agreed that the SteelStacks venue was great for watching the World Cup because they got to share in the excitement and support their country with other fans.

"I've been coming to all of them. SteelStacks has been a great venue for the community," Josh Mcclammy of Bethlehem said.

"I've been to every U.S. game thus far and it's been really fun," Cara Capobianco of Bethlehem agreed.

Although much of the crowd was comprised of local residents, many fans traveled much greater distances to attend the event.

"We're visiting relatives that told us about it," Scott Nelson of N.C. said. "We wanted to watch the game with other fans."

"We've seen it on TV and I looked it up on the Internet and it seemed like a great place to watch the USA," Time Mein of Rockaway, N.J., said.

Similar to seeing the event on TV, Brenna Stangle of Phillipsburg, N.J., saw the event on social networking sites and decided to attend the US-Belgium game.

The popularity of soccer in the United States has increased during the World Cup, leaving fans to wonder whether or not it will remain in favor now that the national team is out of the competition.

"It will increase it a lot, there's a lot of soccer fever going on in the U.S.," McKenzie said. Many, such as McKenzie, are feeling optimistic about the sport.

"I think it's already increasing," Mein said. "It's nice to see as a lifelong soccer fan. The further they go the more they'll get."

Jon Pelter of Bethlehem agreed, stating that it's great for morale and will therefore increase in popularity.

"I'm hoping it starts a more structured youth program geared toward the national team," Nelson said.

Others, such as Rob Thigpen of Durham and Stangle, disagree:

"I don't really play or follow, but I think it will have a positive effect but not be that noticeable," Thigpen said.

"I feel like it's only big when the World Cup is happening," Stangle said.Regardless of the loss, everyone who attended the game showed their support through national colors and chanting and had a great time.