Dash players who played in World Cup return home

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- While they didn't play any match minutes the Women's World Cup Soccer Champions who are part of the Houston Dash team still took the field to standing ovation.

Soccer fan Alexis Rodriguez says, "Women's soccer is so fun to watch and it's good to see it get more popular. I'm excited to have the World Cup players back and it's so good to see them live."

Midfielders Carli Lloyd and Morgan Brian and Defender Meghan Klingenberg are back with their home team.

Women's World Cup MVP Carli Lloyd says, "We want to push to make a playoff spot for this team and we want to be healthy and fresh so I think it's best for us to watch this one and sit this out."

The three teammates say the last week has been a whirlwind after beating Japan for the World Cup title. From appearances with Taylor Swift to a phone call from the President and a ticker tape parade in New York, what they've accomplished is still sinking in.

Meghan Klingenberg says, "Seeing them embrace us the way they did, a women's sports team, is so incredible and I think it lifts up women's sports across the country and it's really special to be a part of."

"I came home to our host family today and saw six or seven newspapers with different outlets and Carli scoring the goals or a picture of our team celebrating and I think that's really cool for us to see, we're everywhere," says Morgan Brian.

There was definitely a lot of orange energy at BBVA Compass Stadium. Fans wanted to see the players in person and take their own little piece of history home. Crowds leaned over the field railing to get autographs from the women before the match against the Chicago Red Stars started.

Soccer fan Grant Caillouet says, "I've never seen an atmosphere like this at a women's soccer game, they usually have the top deck closed down but to see that open it really exciting."

"I think it's really exciting because I'm not sure I'll see a Dynamo player win a men's World Cup anytime soon, so to see them win the World Cup is great," says Michael Jacob who is a big Dynamo fan.

His friend Matthew Morin added, "It's definitely inspiring to see them win a World Cup for the USA. It's going to inspire a lot of young girls out there."