The U.S. national team's World Cup run has been an emotional roller coaster thus far, with a record number of American viewers along for the ride.
The USA's 2-2 draw with Portugal on Sunday posted a 9.1 overnight rating on ESPN, as announced on Twitter by ESPN public relations director Keri Potts, making it the most-watched soccer game in the network's history.
Clint Dempsey (AP Photo)The number, which does not factor in the millions of viewers who watched Spanish-language Univision, was just behind the 9.3 average posted by the NBA Finals and ahead of the most recent World Series (8.9 average) and Stanley Cup Final (2.8). The match was most popular in Washington, D.C., with a 13.3 rating.
The USA's 2-1 win over Ghana last week posted a 7.0 rating on ESPN, setting a record at the time for men's soccer on ESPN.
Though it was within seconds of securing passage to the round of 16, the USA conceded a late equalizer against Portugal that leaves the Americans in limbo heading into their group stage finale against Germany on Thursday (12 p.m. ET, ESPN). The USA will advance with a win or draw, and can possibly get through with a loss as well.
