28,000 fans watch World Cup game from Soldier Field

CHICAGO (WLS) -- 28,000 soccer fans in Chicago trekked to Soldier Field to watch the U.S. face off against Belgium.

The winner of the match advanced to quarterfinals in the first round of elimination play. In the end, Belgium held off a late U.S. rally and won 2-1, eliminated Team USA.

The viewing parties for the group stage matches were held in Grant Park, which was getting quite overcrowded, so U.S. Soccer organizers wanted to provide a safer viewing venue with more room for more fans. The gates opened up at 1:30 and fans here early rushed in to get a good spot.

The Chicago Transit Authority extended services in the morning and afternoon to accommodate fans traveling to the game.

The Associated Press contributed to this report