Where to watch the USWNT, Sophia Smith in Fort Collins during the Women's World Cup

It's a big summer for soccer in Northern Colorado.

A newly announced expansion USL W women's team is expected to join the USL League One Hailstorm men's squad at Future Legends Sports Complex in Windsor come 2024.

And the area has been a hotbed of talent for years now.

Now our biggest local soccer product will be on the world stage: Windsor native and Fossil Ridge alum Sophia Smith is one of the brightest stars for the two-time defending World Cup champion United Stated Women's National Team.

Here are some places in Fort Collins to watch Smith and the USWNT as they aim for a threepeat over the next month in Australia and New Zealand at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co.

This is the most official spot for USWNT games during this World Cup.

The Fort Collins chapter of the national American Outlaws fan group will host watch parties at Horse & Dragon for all U.S. matches. Yes, even the possible middle-of-the-night matches if the USWNT advances beyond group play.

Horse & Dragon will also tap an Equal Pay-le Pale Ale (made with Australian and New Zealand hops) before Friday's opening match (7 p.m.) in honor of the USWNT's recent fight for equal pay with the men's national team.

Since the brewery doesn't serve food, fans can also bring their own for any mid-match meals.

Horse & Dragon is at 124 Racquette Drive.

Road 34 Deli & Tavern

This is a classic spot for Fort Collins soccer fans.

The Campus West bar was very popular during the Men's World Cup last year, opening early for every USMNT game and the Finals. There are plenty of TVs, including a giant projection screen on the front wall that will be tuned to USWNT games.

Road 34 also has a massive food and drink menu, plus plenty of space to stand or sit (on the edge of your seat) for the matches. The tavern is at 1213 W. Elizabeth St.

Zwei Brewing

Zwei may make German-style beer, but they're all about American soccer.

The brewery was also all-in during the 2022 Men's World Cup last year, hosting early morning watch parties.

There will be a strong presence again this summer to cheer on the women's squad. Also: Zwei almost always has food trucks posted up outside through the evening hours. The brewery is at 4612 S. Mason St., No. 120.

Avuncular Bob's Beerhouse

This is one of the more underrated spots for Fort Collins soccer fans.

This cozy beerhouse just east of CSU's campus was popping during those morning men's World Cup matches. And the staff prioritizes soccer, as Avuncular Bob's has hosted groups like the Colorado Spurs (a Tottenham fan group) for English Premier League matches.

While the space at 830 S. College Ave. doesn't feature an abundance of TVs, the atmosphere (plus 20 beer taps and a funky food menu) usually makes up for it.

(Sports) Bars around town

Here are some other good options:

Neighboring downtown bars Steak-out Saloon and Trailhead Tavern always draw heavy Old Town crowds for big sporting events — like the Denver Nuggets' recent NBA title-clinching win over the Miami Heat.

Grey Rock Sports Grill has arguably the best and most abundant TV setup for sports in Fort Collins, plus the late hours to accommodate the USWNT's late matches during group play.

The Pickle Barrel reopened under new ownership earlier this year. While it has only a few TVs in a small bar area, it's always a fun spot for hockey and soccer fans alike.

Blind Pig Pub in Old Town is like a sports bar, pub and club all rolled into one. That makes it a great spot for these World Cup games, with huge TVs everywhere, later hours and a huge food/drink menu.

Prost Brewing is very similar to Zwei, serving traditional German beers with a major soccer presence. The space offers big projection screens in the main area and downstairs.

Krazy Karl's Pizza is another staple for sports fans, whether you're watching at the Campus West or Timberline locations.

More options: The Coast, Mo Jeaux's, Emporium Sports Bar, Fieldhouse @ The Fort, Buffalo Wild Wings

(Note: Hours and viewing may vary by establishment, and alcohol is not allowed to be served between 2-7 a.m. in Fort Collins. This article will also be updated if and when the USWNT advances to the later rounds.)

2023 U.S. Women's World Cup schedule

(All times listed in Mountain)

• July 21: U.S. vs. Vietnam, 7 p.m. (FOX)

• July 26: U.S. vs. Netherlands, 7 p.m. (FOX)

• Aug. 1: U.S. vs. Portugal, 1 a.m. (FOX)

• Round of 16: Aug. 5-8

• Quarterfinals: Aug. 10-12

• Semifinals: Aug. 15-16

• Final: Aug. 20

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Where to watch soccer, Women's World Cup in Fort Collins