Redding crowd cheers Rapinoe and the U.S. soccer team

Nearly 300 people got up early Sunday and headed out to Redding's soccer park to eat pancakes and watch the U.S. women's soccer team —  and local "superstar" Megan Rapinoe — capture their fourth World Cup victory.

Rapinoe, who grew up in Shasta County, led her team to a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands by scoring the team's first goal on a penalty kick.

The pink-haired team captain also garnered the Golden Ball as top player and the Golden Boot as top scorer for the World Cup tournament.

"I think it's cool that she's from our hometown. She's an international star," said Cassie Simons of Redding, who watched the game on one of the nine television screens set up at the California Soccer Park in Redding.

Chad New, executive director of the California Soccer Park, said the company and the city of Redding could not pass up the opportunity to honor the women's team and Rapinoe as they competed on such a large world stage.

"Whenever we have something so spectacular in the area we definitely want to be able to showcase it, and we had our hometown star Megan Rapinoe here so we wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to watch it," New said.

"You can go watch it at your house, yeah, but it's not as fun," he said.

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It was the second-straight World Cup championship for the U.S. team. Rapinoe put the U.S. on the board in the 61st minute when she scored on a penalty kick.

The crowds watching at the soccer park cheered as Rapinoe held her arms out in celebration.

It was Rapinoe's sixth goal of the tournament, and at 34 she became the oldest player to score in a women's World Cup final.

Rapinoe, who grew up in Palo Cedro and celebrated her birthday two days ago, also gave a shout out to her older brother, Brian, who marked his birthday Sunday.

In a story on ESPN.com Megan Rapinoe said her older brother, who has suffered through years of drug addiction, was an early positive influence on her and helped teach her to play soccer.

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The U.S. team's second goal came in the 69th minute when Rose Lavelle, added her third goal of the tournament with an 18-foot shot after a solo run up the center of the field.

Simons said she was glad to see women's sports getting such prominent coverage in the news, after so many years of men's sports dominating.

"I think it's cool that people are watching women's sports," said Simons, who was sporting an Alex Morgan jersey. Simons said when she bought the jersey she couldn't find a Rapinoe jersey at a local store.

Ashley Schlegel brought her three daughters out to the park to watch the game, with 7-year-old Evelyn waving a small American flag.

"We just wanted to show our support for the women's team and for Megan Rapinoe," Ashley Schlegel said. 

Bri Johnson of Redding said games like the one Sunday don't come along often, especially with a hometown star on the team.

"How often does our country get in the World Cup, and get into the World Cup and have a local superstar? I think it's great," Johnson said.

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Damon Arthur is the Record Searchlight’s resources and environment reporter. He is among the first on the scene at breaking news incidents, reporting real time on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Damon is part of a dedicated team of journalists who investigate wrongdoing and find the unheard voices to tell the stories of the North State. He welcomes story tips at 530-225-8226 and damon.arthur@redding.com. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!