LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) – Residents gathered at Team Algeria’s hotel Tuesday to send off the squad before its departure to Vancouver, Canada, where the team will face Switzerland in a Round of 32 World Cup match on July 2.
Community members and local business leaders turned out to show support for the team, which has been based in Lawrence during the group stage of the tournament. Algeria’s group stage run, including a match against Austria, drew widespread attention across the Kansas City metro area.
Lawrence resident Abby Bush-Wilder said the team’s presence brought a sense of unity to the city.
“It’s fun. Everybody feels connected right now in a way that we’ve really needed in a long time. The other night, it was just such a great culmination of all that energy. I was just lucky to be a part of it,” Bush-Wilder said.
Bush-Wilder also addressed the team directly: “We just want to say thank you to the team for choosing us and being here.”
Steve Kelly, vice president of economic development for The Chamber Lawrence, said the experience exceeded expectations.
“From a community standpoint, it’s been a match made in heaven,” Kelly said. “The insanity around soccer has been amazing.”
Krys O’Brien, director of communications for The Chamber Lawrence, said the organization hopes to build on the relationship with Algeria beyond the tournament.
“Algeria and Lawrence becoming the love story of the whole tournament,” O’Brien said. “The possibilities are really kinda endless.”
O’Brien added that Lawrence’s support will continue as the team advances.
“We’re so excited to still root for them in the tournament. We love you guys. We’re your biggest fans. Go Algeria,” O’Brien said.
Algeria departed Lawrence by bus Tuesday and will play Switzerland in Vancouver on July 2.
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