FINANCIAL DISTRICT — Thousands of people cheered and chanted "USA! USA! USA!" as soccer stars Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and the 21 other players on U.S. women's national team passed through the "Canyon of Heroes" Friday to celebrate their recent World Cup victory.
The ticker-tape parade, the first for any women's sports team in the city's history, kicked off at Battery Park at 11 a.m., but hundreds of revelers had already lined the parade route by 9 a.m. to cheer on the champs and their 5-2 victory over Japan.
Young girls with painted faces and dressed in American soccer jerseys pressed against the metal barricades, waving the stars and stripes.
Margaret Fasano, 43, traveled in from Babylon, N.Y., to show her daughters, her nieces and their friends — most of whom play soccer — the pride people have for the players.
"A lot of times, I think that girls, especially in sports, don't get the same recognition as men do. Today is all about them. Girl power, right girls?" Fasiano said to a wave of cheers.
"That's why we're here. It's the first time that women have been honored like this. And my girls, I had to bring them so they could see this," Fasiano added.
Michelle Duff brought her daughter and her daughters' teammates on Manchester, N.J.'s Blue Storm to show them how people can succeed by following their passion.
"We love it because our girls have a group of people who inspire them," Duff said.
"You can't ask for anything better," she added.
Buildings along the parade route from Battery Park up Broadway to City Hall donned celebratory colors. Workers draped large flags from the glass skyscrapers. And even 1 World Trade Center planned to light its spire in red white and blue, Governor Andrew Cuomo said.
"The teamwork and dedication that led to the Women's National soccer team's resounding World Cup victory is an inspiration to all of us," Cuomo said.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I am proud to honor these exemplary athletes and show our appreciation for their accomplishments on the international stage," he said.
After the parade, the team joined Mayor Bill de Blasio on stage at City Hall where coach Jill Ellis, Wambach and Carli Lloyd, who scored a hat trick that included a stunning goal from mid-field, will speak.
"It's amazing and It's amazing to see all these people here supporting them. Hopefully it makes U.S. women's soccer grow more," said Leksey Slay, 25, from Illinois.