One of the ultimate rivalries in women’s soccer: the US versus Canada. Sure, it was only part of the “friendlies”. These were not qualifying games. Nothing of importance would happen tonight.

Tell that to the sold out crowd.

I ventured to the game by car; I was looking at a very manageable three-hour drive one way. I had everything: passport, five coats (Canada is cold), ticket for the game, mittens, external phone charger, extra snacks, everything. Google Maps was leading the way and there was no line at the border.

Then, about a minute after I crossed into Canada, Google Maps stopped giving directions. I had forgotten I would lose cell phone service.

Well, I knew I wouldn’t be able to make calls, but I hadn’t put together the ramifications on my GPS. Thankfully, I had peeked at the map ahead of time. It was more or less a straight shot.

A sign caught my attention: THINKMETRIC. After being distracted by the cleverness of the sign, I actually processed that Canada uses the metric system. I passed a speed limit sign: 100 km/h. At this point it was raining, the sun had abandoned me in the dark autumn evening, I didn’t really understand what speed to aim for, and I only kind of knew where I was going.

Those anticipated remaining 45 minutes turned into an hour and a half.

Thankful that I had left extra early, I raced into the stadium, pausing an awkward amount of time for a picture.

#WNTRivalry | © Jackie Draft

Sitting down next to a pair of hispanophones, I arrived just in time for kick-off.

I was thrilled to see all the fans – despite their Canadian persuasion. 28,017 people attended the game: men, women, and best of all, kids! Young boys and girls were being given this incredible and fairly new opportunity to watch professional female footballers. Their futures were so full of possibilities!

Two thirds through the first half, it got even more exciting: Alex Morgan made the game’s first goal for the U.S. The U.S. supporters section (all twenty of us), exploded with cheers and star-spangled scarves. Other than a feeble attempt at chanting “U-S-A” towards the end of the game, it was really the only time U.S. fans weren’t completely outdone by the Canadian fans.

The half time whistle was blown. It felt like it had gone by really quickly. I realized at that moment that I had already driven for three times the length of the first half. And I still had the return trip.

Meandering through the stadium for some dinner I hadn’t yet had time for, all I wanted were chicken tenders, the most comforting sport-watching food I could think of. When I finally located them, they were sold right next to the most Canadian dish imaginable: poutine. I can’t imagine any other country that would sell it in their stadium. I had to buy some just for the novelty.

I don’t know if it was this tangible and gustable reminder of where I was or if I was just no longer distracted by my hunger, but I noticed, as announcements were made for substitutions, that every word over the loud speaker was said in both English and French.

The Canadians, who had been dominating practically the whole game despite their lower FIFA ranking, unsurprisingly equalized the game. The stadium erupted. Part of me cursed Leon for her 57th minute goal. Part of me soared at this outstanding crowd that had shown up to support women’s soccer.

My favorite headline word that I have since seen to describe the game  is “escaped” – as in, the US escaped with a tie. It is, unfortunately, the most accurate word to describe the USWNT’s play that night.

Still, I had another three hours home; I ended up driving for almost eight total hours roundtrip to see the USWNT play for 90 minutes.

Totally worth it.