It’s not all that unusual to head to the tavern to take in a sporting event with friends and some drinks, but those gatherings don’t typically take place on Sunday mornings.

Nevertheless, the final match of the Women’s World Cup drew a small crowd of soccer enthusiasts to a watch party early Sunday at Wiley’s Grill in Flossmoor.

Spectator Meredith Bedford, of Homewood, said she thought it was a plus the event started at 10 a.m. local time.

“I’m fine with it,” she said. “I have to go to bed at night. This way, I saw the whole match.”

The final game, in which the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated The Netherlands 2-0, was played in France, leading to the early start time.

Besides the opportunity to cheer on the home team, the watch party was also an opportunity for fans to join the discussion on issues highlighted recently by outspoken U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, the team’s forward for the women’s national soccer team who led the United States to its World Cup victory.

Rapinoe scored the goal that ultimately put the U.S. team in the lead and win herself the Golden Boot award in the process.

Paul Tressler, of Homewood, said Rapinoe’s resolve and strength in standing up to criticism from the highest level of American government was just as important as her performance on the pitch.

“She didn’t take any abuse, and that’s really so American, when you think about it,” he said.

Tressler, who was there with his wife, Elizabeth, were among about a dozen fans split among a few groups at the watch party.

Elizabeth Tressler watched and sipped morning mimosas with friends Kris McManus and Michelle Yates, both who considered themselves bigger soccer fanatics.

”I’m rooting for the home team,” Elizabeth Tressler said. “If it’s the Olympics, I’d root for the U.S. athletes. So (Sunday), I want to see the U.S. women win.”

And they ultimately did, beating the Netherlands national team 2-0, with Rapinoe scoring the goal that gave the U.S women the lead in the 61st minute of play. Midfielder Rose Lavelle scored an insurance run for the U.S. team in the 69th minute.

For McManus, the fact that Rapinoe played a prominent role in the U.S. victory was particularly exciting to see.

“She stood up for herself and excelled,” McManus said.

Rapinoe also has vocally advocated for equal pay for women athletes, and Yates said she’s bothered by the difference in compensation paid to the members of the men’s and women’s national teams – an issue that’s actually subject of a lawsuit now pending. Compensation for the men comes from a prize pool of some $400 million – compared to $30 million split among the women.

“Our women have won two consecutive World Cup titles, and four overall, while our men have never won,” Yates said. “Something doesn’t seem fair.”

Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.