NATCHEZ — As soccer fans all over the world watched team USA play Belgium in the Round of 16 of the World Cup Tuesday, so were a few Adams County Christian School soccer players.

Dylan Galbreath, Ryan Lackey and Justin Allgood were part of the 2014 soccer team that won the school’s first district title and trip to the state championship where they fell 8-3 to Central Hinds Academy.

That feeling of falling short returned, as they were able to identify with the USA soccer team in its 2-1 loss to Belgium in extra time.

The 2014 Rebels, along with 2012 teammate Tanner Martin and friends, gathered to watch the pros represent the country, and also represent all soccer players around the world.

The players discussed the ins and outs of the game in a laidback form through regulation.

“We would try to predict what they were about to do the best, and see how well we knew the game,” Galbreath said.

Allgood said he noticed the different playing style more that anything.

“Compared to how we played, (the U.S.) was totally different,” Allgood said. “We were a running team, just get the ball ahead and outrun people. We never really strategized (plays) like (the U.S.) did, and that worked out pretty good for us.”

But things got just as intense on Allgood’s couch as it did in Arena Fonte Nova in Brazil once U.S. and Belgium went into extra time.

Belgium was able to sneak two goals past U.S. goalie Tim Howard, who had a career-high 16 saves.

Down 2-0, it seemed like it would be a good time to give up with less than 20 minutes left to play.

But as Galbreath left the room briefly, the U.S. had life again when 19-year-old Julian Green scored in the 107th minute.

The Rebels, seated on the couch, exploded with excitement, and suddenly, there was hope again.

In that instance, the most logical explanation for such an instant breath of life — was Galbreath’s absence.

“Stay in the other room, Dylan,” Martin shouted from the living room. “We just scored. You must’ve jinxed us before.”

Galbreath complied, hoping they were right.

“I’m going to stay in here, then maybe we can score another goal,” Galbreath said back to the group. “Tell me what happens.”

As the group, now standing on their feet with anxiety, gave Galbreath the play by play, U.S. had two more chances to score, but none were successful.

As time wound down, it became evident that the United States’ season was over, but each Rebel complimented the pros on never giving up.

The Rebels didn’t give up when they were down 4-1 to Central Hinds in the first half, and because of that, they knew exactly what Team USA was feeling.

Taking note from their scenario, the group chose to take the positives from the World Cup journey and congratulate the U.S. team on representing the country well.

“They remind me of all the great times we had on the (ACCS) soccer team,” Martin said. “It was great to watch, they played a heck of a game. They were really tough, kept trying and kept attacking. (Tim) Howard played amazing.”

Though the graduated ACCS players don’t plan to play in college, Allgood said watching the World Cup and their own championship run has taught them about hard work and having pride in their program, their country, and most importantly, themselves.