U.S. soccer team loss means a dip in sales for local businesses

Tuesday’s loss for the U.S. soccer team against Trinidad means the team will be eliminated from the World Cup.

It would be the first time the U.S. soccer team would be missing from the World Cup since 1986.

“It’s disappointing to say the least,” said Bianca Bueno.

Bueno doesn’t claim to be a diehard soccer fan but said she roots for team USA and word of the loss

was disheartening.

Fans of the U.S. soccer team aren’t the only ones cringing after Tuesday’s loss. Businesses say the team’s loss means a dip in sales.

“Soccer games have been really helpful to us. They always bring in a good crowd, we started a menu just for them(fans), we have specials just for them,” David Morales said.

Morales is the manager at the Brass Monkey Casual Craft bar. He said U.S. soccer team fans were enthused Tuesday afternoon.

“It was crazy, it was packed the Outlaws fan club was here … they make it feel like you’re at the game. They make it feel like you’re at the game,” Morales said.

Morales is referring to the U.S. soccer team fan club that hold watch parties at the Brass Monkey.

The fan club helps boost sales on a otherwise quiet night, but now that the team has been eliminated it means fewer customers for the bar.

“It’s not going to hit us hard but it’s going to hit us,” Morales said.

The loss for the team also means fewer customers looking for team apparel.

“Mexico and USA jerseys were the most popular sellers,” said Lily Orosco.

Orosco is owner of International Soccer, a store that sells soccer equipment and uniforms.

Orosco tells ABC-7 now she has to focus on making up for the loss in sales for team USA merchandise.

“I’m going to order more Mexico items hopefully that offsets the loss,” Orosco said.