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France 2019: Women’s Soccer’s Trip to France and the Women’s World Cup
7/7/2019 7:46:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Brown University women's soccer is set to take part in a trip to France and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup from June 30 to July 8. Over the course of their time in Lyon and Montpellier, the Bears will watch the semifinals and final match of the Women's World Cup, play in friendlies, and see historic sites, including the Basilica de Notre Dame de Fourviere and the Pont du Gard. During their nine-day journey, fans can follow the Bears on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Blog No. 7: Reflecting on a Once in a Lifetime Experience (July 8)
As the Bears made their way back to the United States on Monday, they had the opportunity to reflect on a once in a lifetime experience in France.
By Abby Carchio
This journey started last year when the coaches talked about when and where our international trip would be. Originally, we thought we might go to Japan during the winter break or maybe Argentina during spring break. In the end it worked out that the trip had to fall during the summer, and we realized that going to the World Cup in France would be the perfect opportunity.
We didn't know what to expect on this trip really. I had never been to Europe before or to a U.S. Women's National Team game. Any expectations that I had were completely surpassed. A lot of us said that this was the best experience that we have had in our lifetimes, and that holds true for myself. From every perspective, it was a completely amazing experience. To do it with our best friends, teammates, and coaches was even better.
My highs were definitely the World Cup games. As someone that looks up to those players on the national team, to see them in person is a completely different experience than seeing them on TV. It was almost like seeing aliens! Our seats were unbelievable. At one point we were literally within 10 feet of some of the players. Seeing the game at such a high level was amazing with the speed of play and how hard the tackles are. It was so cool to feel the energy in the stadium and to see this game played by women be so well respected.
For our training, playing in the summer is such a rare opportunity especially for Ivy League teams since we live everywhere across the country. Getting to play for four days together to rebuild chemistry and work out some kinks way before preseason hits was so valuable. It was cool just to be back with the team and joke around with everybody but also get in some quality touches.
One of the highlights of the sightseeing for me was when we went to Pont du Garde, the ancient Roman aqueduct. Every site that we saw was so breathtaking and historically rich. I am a history major so it was awesome to get that historical perspective.
When we had some free time at night, we were able to walk around some of the squares in Montpellier and Lyon which was really cool. A few of us went off and saw the sunset from another aqueduct. It was great to be able to experience the culture in that way – from a peaceful sunset to lively break dancers at night.
Experiencing a once in a lifetime opportunity is a huge relationship builder. We went through some mishaps on this trip with travel so it was great to be able to rely on your teammates in tough situations. On the other end, being able to experience highs with people that you spend so much time with on a normal basis, you are able to build memories that will last a lifetime, and I'm so glad that those memories were with all of my teammates and friends.
I think we have one of the best coaching staffs in the country – on and off the soccer field – and this trip proved that. Their guidance and presence were extremely important for us, and I know that our whole team is thankful for them. Thanks as well to Jeff Davis and Jess Remmes-Davis – our tour guides from ProActive Travel – they gave us a laugh every day and set us up for success.
We owe a huge thanks to everyone that supports our program financially – this trip would not be possible without them. Their support for this trip proves to us how much they care about us and our sport. We really want to ensure they know how thankful we are to them for that. A huge thanks to everyone that made this possible and for giving us the trip of a lifetime!
Blog No. 6: Team USA Wins 2019 Women's World Cup (July 7)
On their final full day in France, the Bears traveled from Montpellier back to Lyon to watch the United States defeat the Netherlands, 2-0, in the final game of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
By Sydney Cummings
Heading back to Lyon we had a fun trip on the bus ride. Normally at least once a season we do a riff off. They are really fun and really competitive. It's nice to just have a good time, and it puts you in a good mood. Whoever's idea it was, they were very on par with that.
Getting to the stadium we felt like pros – we knew exactly where to go and how to get into the stadium because it was our third game. I don't think that we could have imagined where we were sitting and how close we would be. We were so close that we felt like we could touch the players. Being surrounded by red, white, and blue all around us was amazing.
Seeing warm ups was awesome. The Netherlands came out first when we got there. Then the music started playing and the U.S. came out, and I don't think we expected them to be that close. Seeing them that close – we were literally speechless.
In the first half we were a little on edge because normally the U.S. is scoring in the first 15 minutes, but they weren't able to piece it together. One of the things that we noticed from sitting basically on the field was that the pace is as fast as it seems. It seems a lot slower when you're up high, but when you are down that low it is a lot faster. Watching players put in tackles and time everything correctly – that's what set the U.S. apart in the first half. They were able to make clean tackles and then counter as fast as they could.
Kelley O'Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn both sacrificed their whole bodies, playing at the highest level. Watching Megan Rapinoe take a penalty kick when the entire stadium – 60,000 people – is either screaming or booing as loud as they can, it was amazing to see her still be so calm. As a soccer player that's the stage that you want to be at. Those are the people you look up to. Watching them right in front of you put it all in perspective. We can say that we went to a World Cup final and saw the U.S. win – not many people can say that.
Tobin Heath walked right past us as she subbed off in the 87th minute. When she started walking our way, we started screaming as loud as we possibly could. I think she heard us because she put her hand up. To see someone that close, you realize they are actually human beings. When you watch them on TV it is really easy to critique them, but then to see the emotion in person makes you more inspired.
When they were walking around the stadium during the celebration, we screamed to Becky Sauerbrunn, and she was crying and raised her hand. Seeing them that close, watching them celebrate, and seeing the emotion that they have, you can relate that to our team. We are all a little different and have different emotions so hopefully when we win the Ivy League that's what we look like.
When we all sat down for our farewell dinner, we were tired, but we realized it was our last time together because some of the girls from California were leaving early Monday morning. We reflected a lot. A lot of people liked the canyoning adventure we did, and the meals – there were no complaints, everything was delicious.
Everybody stepped out of their comfort zone this trip. It really made us closer as a team. Going through something outside of a soccer setting makes you closer because you realize that we are friends and not just teammates. In the beginning I said that this trip is everything that we could have imagined, and now that it is basically done, I can say that statement held true.
Blog No. 5: Saint Guilhem le Desert, Canyoning Adventures, and Final Friendly (July 6)
On their final day in the South of France, the Bears visited the historic town of Saint Guilhem le Desert, took on a canyoning adventure through the Gorges of Herault, stopped at the Pont du Diable for a quick swim, and competed in their final friendly against a boys' team from Castelnau Le Cres FC.
By Maria Guerrero
The town of Saint Guilhem le Desert was beautiful. It was like going into a fairy tale castle. It felt like you walked into a story. It was really nice to get an experience in a rural village in France.
The canyoning was great. It was a thrill every time you jumped and seeing everyone nervous when they were about to jump. The zip lining was really fun too. We were nervous when we were jumping, but the locals that were there were jumping from 20 feet higher and doing back flips from a log!
I honestly needed to spend some time in the natural pool at the Pont du Diable after all of the canyoning. I needed to go in the water, sit still, relax, and refresh. Even there we saw people jumping from a bridge that was 80 feet high!
At the friendly against Castelnau Le Cres FC, you could see all the adjustments that we made from the first half to the second half. We lost the first half but then won the second half, 1-0. It was crazy to see the difference from the first day of practice to yesterday's friendly against the boys from Castelnau even though it was just four days.
The hospitality that we have received has been amazing. After the games, the local clubs have always had receptions for us. They are always trying to talk to us even though they don't speak English. They were very welcoming and exchanging jerseys with them was a great experience.
The food again was fantastic. French food is amazing! The crème brulee was really good. It's a funny tradition with my class that anytime we get dinner with the coaches we all get crème brulee for dessert so we were looking forward to that.
I speak French which has certainly helped since there is no language barrier. If I get lost or lose the group, I can just ask someone for help. It's made it easier to make friends along the way – I met someone at the fan section and talked a lot during our time there. Being able to talk to the other team at the friendlies has been nice too. It has definitely enhanced this experience, and I've enjoyed taking the French that I have learned outside the classroom.
I'm looking forward for the U.S. to hopefully win tomorrow in the World Cup final!
Blog No. 4: Day 2 in Montpellier: Olive Farm and Mediterranean Beach (July 5)
On their second day in the South of France, the Bears had the opportunity to explore more of the region around Montpellier. The team took a visit to Domaine de l'Olivie – a working olive farm – and Palavas les Flots – a beach on the Mediterranean Sea – after starting the day with a training session.
By Star White
It was a good training session to start the day – it was good to wake up and get a workout in before we started the day. We had a game the day before so it was nice to get touches on the ball after that. We have all been able to mesh together more before preseason. We did some possession drills and then had a small-sided scrimmage. It has been good to get used to each other's skill sets again.
The olive farm was very interesting. I've never really thought about olive oil in depth before – I've just thought of it as something that you put on food before you eat it. It was cool to learn the history of it and how they make it in such an intricate process. Trying all of the olive oils was a cool experience. I really enjoyed most of them except the spicy one – that was too hot for me! It was cool to try it with the bread, and I was able to buy a couple of bottles for my mom.
Going to the beach was great. Back at home in Virginia we have a beach, but I don't go that often. At the Mediterranean Sea you could see the bottom more than back home. The water was really shallow and warm – it was fun to have a good time with my teammates.
Dinner was really good – I thought it was the best dinner that we have had so far! The dessert was really good as well. Hanging out with my teammates afterward was fun, getting a chance to explore Montpellier likely for the last time before we leave here. We got to experience some more of the city, have gelato, and see the atmosphere of the city at night.
Overall, this experience has been amazing. I've never been out of the country before, and to have this be the first time that I've been out of the country has been awesome. I've enjoyed everything – the history, the training, getting to see different parts of France, and the World Cup. It's been an overall great experience – it's included everything that you would want in a trip.
I'm looking forward to canyoning tomorrow and then seeing Team USA in the World Cup finals on Sunday – hoping to get the win! It would be a once in a lifetime experience to see the U.S. win the World Cup!
Blog No. 3: The Pont du Garde and Day 1 in Montpellier (July 4)
On Independence Day back in the United States, the Bears transitioned from Lyon to Montpellier, making a stop at the Pont du Gard – the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct. Once in the South of France, the Bears took in a walking tour of the city with a chance to explore in the evening.
By Charlotte DeVaughn
It was a hot day at the Pont du Gard, but some people jumped in off the cliffs which was fun to watch! We got to walk around and learn about the history of the aqueduct and how it was engineered.
We had a very nice lunch at the Pont du Gard and had some quality time hiking. It was definitely not something I expected to see coming into the trip. It was crazy how big it was and how good of shape it looked considering how old it is.
As we traveled down to Montpellier, it was fun to look out the windows and see how the buildings changed from old to newer, more sleek designs. We also got to see the change in culture as we traveled South.
Once we made our way to downtown Montpellier, we got to see a ritual Jewish bath that dated to the 12th century but was not discovered until the 1980s. It was great to be able to have some free time and do our own thing at night. We had a nice Mediterranean meal for dinner and then enjoyed the street performances on the main plaza.
The trip has been really fun so far – being somewhere completely different and not really knowing everything about your environment and then comparing it to back home. It's been cool to take it all in with all your friends! I'm excited to head to the beach tomorrow on the Mediterranean and relax!
Blog No. 2: Day Two in Lyon and Women's World Cup Semifinal Two (July 3)
The Bears' second day in Lyon included a visit to the FIFA Fan Experience in downtown Lyon, a friendly against local team – Lyon Duchere AS – and a trip back to Groupama Stadium for the second Women's World Cup semifinal in which the Netherlands defeated Sweden, 1-0, in extra time.
By Lauren Hinton and Bridget Stokdyk
Lauren: I really enjoyed yesterday, walking around a little bit, seeing some of the ruins, and learning some history about the French Revolution and World War II. Jeff Davis, our tour guide, told us about how some of the heads of statues on churches were taken down by revolutionaries during the French Revolution. I've enjoyed the historical aspect and am looking forward to seeing more of that.
Bridget: Last night's World Cup game was insane and so much fun – a once in a lifetime experience. Tonight, was a bit different but still really cool as a semifinal game. It's been a packed schedule – we've been pretty busy.
Lauren: I liked being in the FIFA fan zone today, spending time around a community of soccer people who are also here to see the game. It was cool to see women's soccer have this huge event downtown. There were some neat events and games going on, and it was a cool coming together of community.
Bridget: The fan zone brought together a lot of different cultures. When you go to the game, it can be strictly just the two teams that were playing, but in the fan zone it brought together a lot of different people.
Bridget: Lauren and I both went to a market this morning, and it was fun to be able find your own food – not just be a tourist and just go to restaurants. The way you got there, there was a beautiful church on the side that you would not have found if you weren't exploring the city.
Bridget: Today's friendly game for our team was a good start. It might not have been the level of intensity that we are used to, but it was still good to get touches on the ball and back to playing together. It was interesting to see a different international style and encounter a language barrier with your opponent.
Lauren: It was neat to get on the field with a team from a different country and to get another experience. We also got to compete against a team from another country when a team from Japan visited us in the spring. To do it in a different country was an aspect that I enjoyed. It was cool to see the Lyon soccer community and get to be a part of that, meeting different coaches and players.
Lauren: I've liked getting to see the warm-ups at the World Cup. It's really cool to see what the teams do to prepare. It's amazing to feel the energy in the stadium regardless of the results for either team. It's inspiring to see these female soccer players have this life-changing experience of playing on this world stage.
Bridget: These next couple days in Montpellier should be a lot of fun as we get to experience more of France before we come back to Lyon for the World Cup final! We'll get a great chance to do some more team bonding!
Blog No. 1: Day One in Lyon and Team USA Wins at Women's World Cup (July 2)
The Bears' first day in Lyon included a team training session and sightseeing in downtown Lyon, including visits to the Basilica de Notre Dame de Fourviere and the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. The day was capped with a 2-1 win for the United States over England in the semifinals of the Women's World Cup!
By Rebecca Rosen
We had a really exciting first full day in France especially after some troubles with our flights, I was glad we made it in! It didn't affect our itinerary at all. We still got to see everything which was great.
It was a good to start the day with a team training session. We ran a bit on a grass field and then got to play on small sided on a turf field. It was pretty big for 5-v-5, but it was nice to open it up. I haven't gotten a chance to get touches in with a lot of my teammates in a while. To finally get the whole team back, and even some of our graduated seniors, was a lot of fun.
Lunch was great! The tables were big enough to seat us all which was nice. Scalloped potatoes were one of my favorite side dishes so I felt lucky to get those. The whole meal was pretty awesome!
The ruins of the Roman amphitheater were really neat to see. Especially since it has a modern use as a concert venue with a modern look in the front and the ruins in the back. Exploring the streets of Lyon afterwards was awesome too.
Going to the World Cup game was unbelievable. This was honestly my first professional soccer game that I've been to. Even just walking into the stadium, I kept getting chills. Throughout the day I was thinking that we were going to the game later but wasn't really able to process it. To be there was really surreal. Almost all of us got to sit in the same section, cheer together, and pull out a win! It was really an amazing game!
Blog No. 7: Reflecting on a Once in a Lifetime Experience (July 8)
As the Bears made their way back to the United States on Monday, they had the opportunity to reflect on a once in a lifetime experience in France.
By Abby Carchio
This journey started last year when the coaches talked about when and where our international trip would be. Originally, we thought we might go to Japan during the winter break or maybe Argentina during spring break. In the end it worked out that the trip had to fall during the summer, and we realized that going to the World Cup in France would be the perfect opportunity.
We didn't know what to expect on this trip really. I had never been to Europe before or to a U.S. Women's National Team game. Any expectations that I had were completely surpassed. A lot of us said that this was the best experience that we have had in our lifetimes, and that holds true for myself. From every perspective, it was a completely amazing experience. To do it with our best friends, teammates, and coaches was even better.
My highs were definitely the World Cup games. As someone that looks up to those players on the national team, to see them in person is a completely different experience than seeing them on TV. It was almost like seeing aliens! Our seats were unbelievable. At one point we were literally within 10 feet of some of the players. Seeing the game at such a high level was amazing with the speed of play and how hard the tackles are. It was so cool to feel the energy in the stadium and to see this game played by women be so well respected.
For our training, playing in the summer is such a rare opportunity especially for Ivy League teams since we live everywhere across the country. Getting to play for four days together to rebuild chemistry and work out some kinks way before preseason hits was so valuable. It was cool just to be back with the team and joke around with everybody but also get in some quality touches.
One of the highlights of the sightseeing for me was when we went to Pont du Garde, the ancient Roman aqueduct. Every site that we saw was so breathtaking and historically rich. I am a history major so it was awesome to get that historical perspective.
When we had some free time at night, we were able to walk around some of the squares in Montpellier and Lyon which was really cool. A few of us went off and saw the sunset from another aqueduct. It was great to be able to experience the culture in that way – from a peaceful sunset to lively break dancers at night.
Experiencing a once in a lifetime opportunity is a huge relationship builder. We went through some mishaps on this trip with travel so it was great to be able to rely on your teammates in tough situations. On the other end, being able to experience highs with people that you spend so much time with on a normal basis, you are able to build memories that will last a lifetime, and I'm so glad that those memories were with all of my teammates and friends.
I think we have one of the best coaching staffs in the country – on and off the soccer field – and this trip proved that. Their guidance and presence were extremely important for us, and I know that our whole team is thankful for them. Thanks as well to Jeff Davis and Jess Remmes-Davis – our tour guides from ProActive Travel – they gave us a laugh every day and set us up for success.
We owe a huge thanks to everyone that supports our program financially – this trip would not be possible without them. Their support for this trip proves to us how much they care about us and our sport. We really want to ensure they know how thankful we are to them for that. A huge thanks to everyone that made this possible and for giving us the trip of a lifetime!
Blog No. 6: Team USA Wins 2019 Women's World Cup (July 7)
On their final full day in France, the Bears traveled from Montpellier back to Lyon to watch the United States defeat the Netherlands, 2-0, in the final game of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
By Sydney Cummings
Heading back to Lyon we had a fun trip on the bus ride. Normally at least once a season we do a riff off. They are really fun and really competitive. It's nice to just have a good time, and it puts you in a good mood. Whoever's idea it was, they were very on par with that.
Getting to the stadium we felt like pros – we knew exactly where to go and how to get into the stadium because it was our third game. I don't think that we could have imagined where we were sitting and how close we would be. We were so close that we felt like we could touch the players. Being surrounded by red, white, and blue all around us was amazing.
Seeing warm ups was awesome. The Netherlands came out first when we got there. Then the music started playing and the U.S. came out, and I don't think we expected them to be that close. Seeing them that close – we were literally speechless.
In the first half we were a little on edge because normally the U.S. is scoring in the first 15 minutes, but they weren't able to piece it together. One of the things that we noticed from sitting basically on the field was that the pace is as fast as it seems. It seems a lot slower when you're up high, but when you are down that low it is a lot faster. Watching players put in tackles and time everything correctly – that's what set the U.S. apart in the first half. They were able to make clean tackles and then counter as fast as they could.
Kelley O'Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn both sacrificed their whole bodies, playing at the highest level. Watching Megan Rapinoe take a penalty kick when the entire stadium – 60,000 people – is either screaming or booing as loud as they can, it was amazing to see her still be so calm. As a soccer player that's the stage that you want to be at. Those are the people you look up to. Watching them right in front of you put it all in perspective. We can say that we went to a World Cup final and saw the U.S. win – not many people can say that.
Tobin Heath walked right past us as she subbed off in the 87th minute. When she started walking our way, we started screaming as loud as we possibly could. I think she heard us because she put her hand up. To see someone that close, you realize they are actually human beings. When you watch them on TV it is really easy to critique them, but then to see the emotion in person makes you more inspired.
When they were walking around the stadium during the celebration, we screamed to Becky Sauerbrunn, and she was crying and raised her hand. Seeing them that close, watching them celebrate, and seeing the emotion that they have, you can relate that to our team. We are all a little different and have different emotions so hopefully when we win the Ivy League that's what we look like.
When we all sat down for our farewell dinner, we were tired, but we realized it was our last time together because some of the girls from California were leaving early Monday morning. We reflected a lot. A lot of people liked the canyoning adventure we did, and the meals – there were no complaints, everything was delicious.
Everybody stepped out of their comfort zone this trip. It really made us closer as a team. Going through something outside of a soccer setting makes you closer because you realize that we are friends and not just teammates. In the beginning I said that this trip is everything that we could have imagined, and now that it is basically done, I can say that statement held true.
Blog No. 5: Saint Guilhem le Desert, Canyoning Adventures, and Final Friendly (July 6)
On their final day in the South of France, the Bears visited the historic town of Saint Guilhem le Desert, took on a canyoning adventure through the Gorges of Herault, stopped at the Pont du Diable for a quick swim, and competed in their final friendly against a boys' team from Castelnau Le Cres FC.
By Maria Guerrero
The town of Saint Guilhem le Desert was beautiful. It was like going into a fairy tale castle. It felt like you walked into a story. It was really nice to get an experience in a rural village in France.
The canyoning was great. It was a thrill every time you jumped and seeing everyone nervous when they were about to jump. The zip lining was really fun too. We were nervous when we were jumping, but the locals that were there were jumping from 20 feet higher and doing back flips from a log!
I honestly needed to spend some time in the natural pool at the Pont du Diable after all of the canyoning. I needed to go in the water, sit still, relax, and refresh. Even there we saw people jumping from a bridge that was 80 feet high!
At the friendly against Castelnau Le Cres FC, you could see all the adjustments that we made from the first half to the second half. We lost the first half but then won the second half, 1-0. It was crazy to see the difference from the first day of practice to yesterday's friendly against the boys from Castelnau even though it was just four days.
The hospitality that we have received has been amazing. After the games, the local clubs have always had receptions for us. They are always trying to talk to us even though they don't speak English. They were very welcoming and exchanging jerseys with them was a great experience.
The food again was fantastic. French food is amazing! The crème brulee was really good. It's a funny tradition with my class that anytime we get dinner with the coaches we all get crème brulee for dessert so we were looking forward to that.
I speak French which has certainly helped since there is no language barrier. If I get lost or lose the group, I can just ask someone for help. It's made it easier to make friends along the way – I met someone at the fan section and talked a lot during our time there. Being able to talk to the other team at the friendlies has been nice too. It has definitely enhanced this experience, and I've enjoyed taking the French that I have learned outside the classroom.
I'm looking forward for the U.S. to hopefully win tomorrow in the World Cup final!
Blog No. 4: Day 2 in Montpellier: Olive Farm and Mediterranean Beach (July 5)
On their second day in the South of France, the Bears had the opportunity to explore more of the region around Montpellier. The team took a visit to Domaine de l'Olivie – a working olive farm – and Palavas les Flots – a beach on the Mediterranean Sea – after starting the day with a training session.
By Star White
It was a good training session to start the day – it was good to wake up and get a workout in before we started the day. We had a game the day before so it was nice to get touches on the ball after that. We have all been able to mesh together more before preseason. We did some possession drills and then had a small-sided scrimmage. It has been good to get used to each other's skill sets again.
The olive farm was very interesting. I've never really thought about olive oil in depth before – I've just thought of it as something that you put on food before you eat it. It was cool to learn the history of it and how they make it in such an intricate process. Trying all of the olive oils was a cool experience. I really enjoyed most of them except the spicy one – that was too hot for me! It was cool to try it with the bread, and I was able to buy a couple of bottles for my mom.
Going to the beach was great. Back at home in Virginia we have a beach, but I don't go that often. At the Mediterranean Sea you could see the bottom more than back home. The water was really shallow and warm – it was fun to have a good time with my teammates.
Dinner was really good – I thought it was the best dinner that we have had so far! The dessert was really good as well. Hanging out with my teammates afterward was fun, getting a chance to explore Montpellier likely for the last time before we leave here. We got to experience some more of the city, have gelato, and see the atmosphere of the city at night.
Overall, this experience has been amazing. I've never been out of the country before, and to have this be the first time that I've been out of the country has been awesome. I've enjoyed everything – the history, the training, getting to see different parts of France, and the World Cup. It's been an overall great experience – it's included everything that you would want in a trip.
I'm looking forward to canyoning tomorrow and then seeing Team USA in the World Cup finals on Sunday – hoping to get the win! It would be a once in a lifetime experience to see the U.S. win the World Cup!
Blog No. 3: The Pont du Garde and Day 1 in Montpellier (July 4)
On Independence Day back in the United States, the Bears transitioned from Lyon to Montpellier, making a stop at the Pont du Gard – the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct. Once in the South of France, the Bears took in a walking tour of the city with a chance to explore in the evening.
By Charlotte DeVaughn
It was a hot day at the Pont du Gard, but some people jumped in off the cliffs which was fun to watch! We got to walk around and learn about the history of the aqueduct and how it was engineered.
We had a very nice lunch at the Pont du Gard and had some quality time hiking. It was definitely not something I expected to see coming into the trip. It was crazy how big it was and how good of shape it looked considering how old it is.
As we traveled down to Montpellier, it was fun to look out the windows and see how the buildings changed from old to newer, more sleek designs. We also got to see the change in culture as we traveled South.
Once we made our way to downtown Montpellier, we got to see a ritual Jewish bath that dated to the 12th century but was not discovered until the 1980s. It was great to be able to have some free time and do our own thing at night. We had a nice Mediterranean meal for dinner and then enjoyed the street performances on the main plaza.
The trip has been really fun so far – being somewhere completely different and not really knowing everything about your environment and then comparing it to back home. It's been cool to take it all in with all your friends! I'm excited to head to the beach tomorrow on the Mediterranean and relax!
Blog No. 2: Day Two in Lyon and Women's World Cup Semifinal Two (July 3)
The Bears' second day in Lyon included a visit to the FIFA Fan Experience in downtown Lyon, a friendly against local team – Lyon Duchere AS – and a trip back to Groupama Stadium for the second Women's World Cup semifinal in which the Netherlands defeated Sweden, 1-0, in extra time.
By Lauren Hinton and Bridget Stokdyk
Lauren: I really enjoyed yesterday, walking around a little bit, seeing some of the ruins, and learning some history about the French Revolution and World War II. Jeff Davis, our tour guide, told us about how some of the heads of statues on churches were taken down by revolutionaries during the French Revolution. I've enjoyed the historical aspect and am looking forward to seeing more of that.
Bridget: Last night's World Cup game was insane and so much fun – a once in a lifetime experience. Tonight, was a bit different but still really cool as a semifinal game. It's been a packed schedule – we've been pretty busy.
Lauren: I liked being in the FIFA fan zone today, spending time around a community of soccer people who are also here to see the game. It was cool to see women's soccer have this huge event downtown. There were some neat events and games going on, and it was a cool coming together of community.
Bridget: The fan zone brought together a lot of different cultures. When you go to the game, it can be strictly just the two teams that were playing, but in the fan zone it brought together a lot of different people.
Bridget: Lauren and I both went to a market this morning, and it was fun to be able find your own food – not just be a tourist and just go to restaurants. The way you got there, there was a beautiful church on the side that you would not have found if you weren't exploring the city.
Bridget: Today's friendly game for our team was a good start. It might not have been the level of intensity that we are used to, but it was still good to get touches on the ball and back to playing together. It was interesting to see a different international style and encounter a language barrier with your opponent.
Lauren: It was neat to get on the field with a team from a different country and to get another experience. We also got to compete against a team from another country when a team from Japan visited us in the spring. To do it in a different country was an aspect that I enjoyed. It was cool to see the Lyon soccer community and get to be a part of that, meeting different coaches and players.
Lauren: I've liked getting to see the warm-ups at the World Cup. It's really cool to see what the teams do to prepare. It's amazing to feel the energy in the stadium regardless of the results for either team. It's inspiring to see these female soccer players have this life-changing experience of playing on this world stage.
Bridget: These next couple days in Montpellier should be a lot of fun as we get to experience more of France before we come back to Lyon for the World Cup final! We'll get a great chance to do some more team bonding!
Blog No. 1: Day One in Lyon and Team USA Wins at Women's World Cup (July 2)
The Bears' first day in Lyon included a team training session and sightseeing in downtown Lyon, including visits to the Basilica de Notre Dame de Fourviere and the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. The day was capped with a 2-1 win for the United States over England in the semifinals of the Women's World Cup!
By Rebecca Rosen
We had a really exciting first full day in France especially after some troubles with our flights, I was glad we made it in! It didn't affect our itinerary at all. We still got to see everything which was great.
It was a good to start the day with a team training session. We ran a bit on a grass field and then got to play on small sided on a turf field. It was pretty big for 5-v-5, but it was nice to open it up. I haven't gotten a chance to get touches in with a lot of my teammates in a while. To finally get the whole team back, and even some of our graduated seniors, was a lot of fun.
Lunch was great! The tables were big enough to seat us all which was nice. Scalloped potatoes were one of my favorite side dishes so I felt lucky to get those. The whole meal was pretty awesome!
The ruins of the Roman amphitheater were really neat to see. Especially since it has a modern use as a concert venue with a modern look in the front and the ruins in the back. Exploring the streets of Lyon afterwards was awesome too.
Going to the World Cup game was unbelievable. This was honestly my first professional soccer game that I've been to. Even just walking into the stadium, I kept getting chills. Throughout the day I was thinking that we were going to the game later but wasn't really able to process it. To be there was really surreal. Almost all of us got to sit in the same section, cheer together, and pull out a win! It was really an amazing game!
Players Mentioned
M
/ Women's Soccer
B
/ Women's Soccer
B
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
B
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
B
/ Women's Soccer
F
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