SEATTLE — Folarin Balogun said this sort of scene can only happen in America, and it’s hard to argue with him.
The U.S. men’s national team was feted with an honor guard before Mauricio Pochettino fired a strike for the ceremonial pitch at Friday’s Mariners-Blue Jays game.
“This is a very unique experience for me, being in the World Cup at your home nation,” Balogun said earlier in the day. “I think you’re seeing, we’ve been able to be so focused but at the same time, have so many other things we can do to distract ourselves and take our minds off the pressure and environment. This evening will be another opportunity to do that.”
Nearly the entire roster was introduced and honored on the field before Pochettino, donning a No. 5 Mariners jersey, threw out the first pitch.
The team was then joined by the Mariners’ roster, American flags in tow, for a photo opportunity.
“Guys thank you so much. It’s amazing to be at the game here,” Pochettino said, addressing the crowd. “I think your support is amazing. It’s an amazing city. It’s a soccer city. Thank you.”
He then handed the mic to Cristian Roldan, the Sounders midfielder who played college soccer up the road at the University of Washington.
“Thank you Seattle,” Roldan said. “Thank you for the love and support. Let’s go win a World Cup! Go USA!”
Fittingly, the team was then played off to “Take Me Home Country Roads,” which was adopted as its victory anthem after the Australia game, played next door at Lumen Field.
