Soccer-playing sisters in Dalton share World Cup tradition

RINGGOLD, Ga. — Any other afternoon during summer vacation, you might find sisters Gabby and Ana Silva outside practicing their game.

But on a World Cup year, they’ve got something else to do first.

Decked out in their Team USA gear, Gabby and Ana sat on the couch in their home to carry out their tradition of watching the Women's World Cup matches together. Today, the United States took on Spain.

“We’ve watched it for as long as I can remember,” Gabby said about the tournament.

Gabby, who’s played soccer for 13 years, just graduated from Coahulla Creek High School. She was a defender for their soccer program. She's been playing since she was five years old.

Little sister Ana, a rising sophomore at the same school, is just as decorated as her sister - a goal she's been working towards since she was four.

“[Gabby] played you know, before me, so I’d always go to her games, and loved to watch, and maybe that can be me one day,” Ana said.

Gabby, who will be continuing her soccer career at Dalton State next year, says growing up playing soccer with her sister has brought them closer together. She beamed with pride as she spoke about how much she admires Ana.

“To see the player that she’s become and grown, it’s been amazing. For her age, she’s incredible. And she’s one of the greatest soccer players that even I look up to being older,” she explained.

Sitting shoulder to shoulder, the two inched to the edge of their seat watching their idols.

As close as soccer has made these two, Gabby says the best part is this sport brings strangers together.

"You see everybody decked out in their United States gear, strangers hugging and high fiving each other. I think that’s one of the most beautiful things about this sport," Gabby said. "Despite what you believe, despite your race, political beliefs, everybody comes together, and for a moment, nothing matters, no differences matter and everybody’s cheering on the United States.”

As much as she admires the professional ladies for their athletic talent, Gabby also appreciates Team USA's fight for equality within the sport.

“Like the United States, the women are getting paid a lot less than the men, and they still go out there and play the sport, and still put in the dedication, and still go to the practices, and they still represent their country, without any hesitation," she said. "And they do it for the love of the game, not the admiration of others.”

Gabby will be continuing her soccer career as a freshman at Dalton State this fall.