Baseball and soccer cross paths as Seattle welcomes the USMNT back in the World Cup

SEATTLE — America’s national pastime crossed paths with the world’s favorite game on Friday evening when the Seattle Mariners hosted the U.S. men’s soccer team at their game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

It was a rousing welcome back to town for the Americans, who beat Australia in the group stage here and will play the biggest game in team history against Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday (8 p.m., Fox29, Telemundo 62).

The U.S. squad met the Mariners in their clubhouse before the game, and were introduced to a cheering crowd one-by-one on a red carpet. Mauricio Pochettino then stepped to the foot of the mound and threw the ceremonial first pitch.

For an Argentina native who barely had any baseball experience before now, his throw to Mariners manager Dan Wilson was impressively clean.

» READ MORE: Malik Tillman’s heroics helped the USMNT survive Folarin Balogun’s red card and make World Cup history

Pochettino practiced some in the morning, before his team got to work on the University of Washington’s soccer field across town. The Huskies’ baseball team lent balls and gloves, and U.S. backup goalkeeper Matt Turner — who played shortstop in high school in north Jersey — gave his boss some tips on throwing form.

“It’s amazing to be here again and feel your support,” Pochettino said in brief remarks to the crowd. “The city is amazing. It’s a baseball city, it’s a soccer city. Thank you so much — thank you to the 12th man.”

That bonus reference to Seahawks football fans was one of a few cultural crossovers in a city whose big stadiums are a block from each other at the southern edge of downtown.

In between the Mariners and Jays’ pregame warmups, John Fogerty’s classic baseball anthem “Centerfield” played on the T-Mobile Park public address system while extra time of the Argentina-Cape Verde game was shown on the big screen, including the moment Argentina went ahead 2-1. A gaggle of fans who had field access gasped as they watched the goal.

A few minutes later, the World Cup’s official song, “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy, was the DJ’s pick for the playlist. And not long after that, the fans gasped again when Cape Verde tied the score a second time, then once more when Argentina scored a late winner.

» READ MORE: Folarin Balogun has already moved on from his red card, and backs the USMNT to do the same

“To have the USA team here earlier [in the tournament] and now to have them back, I think is pretty cool,” Wilson said. “And a chance to meet some of these guys, and [have] the fans give them a chance to show their appreciation for the job that they’ve done. Obviously, this is a global event that has been followed all over the world, and it’s exciting. It brings people together.”

That appreciation certainly arrived. Though the Blue Jays always bring lots of fans for their visits here thanks to a big fan base in nearby Vancouver, there were big cheers as the U.S. players were introduced individually. Cristian Roldan drew the biggest, as the Seattle Sounders stalwart was saved for last. He brought the Mariners’ trident out with him, and said a few words as the U.S. and Mariners squads gathered for a group photo.

“Thank you, Seattle — thank you for the love and support,” Roldan said. “Let’s go win a World Cup! Go USA, go Mariners!”

As everyone left the field, John Denver’s “Country Roads” played, the U.S. team’s song of choice for the tournament.

The Mariners’ roster is as global as any in baseball, with players from six countries. Center field Julio Rodríguez, a Dominican Republic native, has befriended French World Cup winner and soon-to-be Orlando City playmaker Antoine Griezmann. (Alas, Rodríguez wasn’t around to talk about that on Friday, because he’s sidelined with a concussion.)

» READ MORE: Watching the World Cup ‘got him out of bed in the morning.’ Now, this 9-year-old is going to a game.

“We have players from all over, and many of them played soccer as kids,” Wilson said. “I think that’s what’s the beauty of the event of the World Cup is — it affects so many people. Yeah, these guys are watching the games, and you always know when a team scores because you hear it down the hall. So it’s pretty fun.”

Watch the latest episode!

In this World Cup, underdogs are stealing the spotlight, the U.S. men are on a roll, and Philadelphia has not only welcomed the world but has given visitors a crash course on just how real the curse of the Rocky Statue can be.

Join Jonathan Tannenwald, the Inquirer's soccer writer, and host Lisa Carlin, analyst for CBS Sports Golazo, as they dissect the matches, the moments, and more as Philly has its moment in soccer's brightest spotlight. Watch our latest episode right here. 

Watch previous episodes:

Episode 1: The Wait is Over! 
Episode 2: Groups, Goals, and Glory
Episode 3: Electric Action in Philly
Episode 4: The Knockout Rounds Begin!