South Jersey Celebrates Its Local World Cup Champion

By Tim Jimenez

DELRAN, N.J. (CBS) --- The front page of the Burlington County Times sports a picture of Carli Lloyd, and the headline reads, "Unbelievable."

It was a historic hat trick and three goals for Lloyd, who helped lead Team USA to their third World Cup championship.

Here in Delran is where it all began for Lloyd.  Residents such as Al watched the match in a jam-packed bar last night.

"You couldn't actually describe it unless you were there," he says. "The feel of, the pride of not only her but pride for Team USA. It was amazing."

With such pride for Lloyd, he says, residents of Delran want to see a parade for their hometown girl.

Perhaps proudest of all is Moussa Issa, a coach at the Universal Soccer Academy, in Lumberton, NJ, where Lloyd has been training for years.

"The sky's the limit" for her, he says.  "She's living proof of what hard work and dedication can do for somebody."

He says Lloyd works "like an underdog," giving 100 percent the entire time. "She's a champion in life and I think that enabled her to be a champion on the soccer field," he tells KYW Newsradio.

Another event for Lloyd, yet to be scheduled: a trip to DC. President Obama tweeted congratulations to Team USA, mentioning Lloyd specifically, and invited the team to Washington to celebrate the World Cup.

The Delran native responded, "Thank you Mr. President! See you very soon at the White House!!"

 

 

 

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