POULSBO– Tension is building as the red, white and blue clad fans watch the U.S. Women’s National Team struggle against the Matildas. For those who don’t know, that is what the Australian Women’s National Team is known as in the world of soccer. Although the United States are the well-known favorite in this year’s World Cup held in Canada, they seem to be struggling against their opponents in navy and yellow.

Tied 1-1, feeling the nerves, Kristen Press finally sets the U.S. apart with the game-winning goal and Jason Santiago threw his hands up in relief and excitement.

“That’s something the World Cup does, it evokes patriotism,” said Santiago. “Everyone roots for their home country. You feel like you are a part of the team and compete with them; like in the Olympics.”

Santiago and his wife moved to Poulsbo from Florida a few years ago. He is a member of the United States Navy.

“We love Poulsbo a lot,” said Santiago. “When we found out we’d be moving in 2007, Poulsbo is where we wanted to be.”

Santiago credits moving here as the reason he became a soccer fan. All of his friends were avid Sounders fans and, in his words, they “wrangled him in.”

Now, he loves taking the ferry in to the city to watch his team.

“It’s awesome, the atmosphere is electric being in a wave of Seattle fans excited for the match,” said Santiago.

Along with the Sounders, Seattle is home to a team in the National Women’s Soccer League, the Seattle Reign. Two members of the Reign, Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo, are key players for the U.S. national team.

Santiago sat at a small table in the Hare & Hounds pub in downtown Poulsbo while he watched Rapinoe score two goals and Solo make inhuman saves on June 8 when the U.S. beat Australia 3-1.

The Hare & Hounds pub is a quaint sports bar in Little Norway, offering great food and local beers, as well as being home to the Kitsap branch of the Emerald City Supporters, the Sounders fan base. Inside, there are three sections with large flat screens hanging on the wall to enjoy games with fellow enthusiasts.

“Last year during the men’s World Cup, there were so many people here taking part of the atmosphere and cheering on the U.S. together,” said Santiago. “I’m sure it will be that way on Friday when the U.S. plays again.”

The United States plays Sweden in the second game of group play on June 12, at 5 p.m., and you can guarantee that Santiago will be cheering along.