New York City hosts US women's soccer champs parade

NEW YORK -- The World Cup champion U.S. women's soccer team are being honored with a parade in New York City.

On Friday, Team members rode floats traveling along the Canyon of Heroes, a stretch of Broadway where the nation's largest city has honored its legends.

PHOTOS: US Women's World Cup soccer team parade, celebration in New York City

The U.S. squad defeated Japan 5-2 on Sunday in Canada to win its first World Cup since 1999.

The southern end of Broadway is the traditional spot for New York City ticker-tape parades. Most of the route is lined with tall office buildings on both sides, allowing workers to toss bits of paper onto the celebrants below. At its conclusion, the team will be honored by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in front of a crowd of 3,500 people at City Hall Plaza.

All 23 members are expected to attend the parade. They will also be awarded keys to the city at a City Hall ceremony. The event is estimated to cost about $2 million. About $450,000 of that will come from private donations and corporate sponsorships.

Officials say they're planning to unfurl the world's largest free-flying American flag from the George Washington Bridge as a tribute to the World Cup soccer champions.

The 450-pound flag is to be flown between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday as New York City throws a ticker-tape parade for the players.

Its stripes are about 5 feet wide. The stars measure about 4 feet in diameter. It's hung yearly for Flag Day on the bridge that connects New York City with New Jersey.

"Jersey girls" played a big role in the victory over Japan on Sunday.

The game featured a hat trick by Delran native Carli Lloyd, a former Rutgers player. Tobin Heath, of Basking Ridge, scored another goal.

The team also includes midfielder Heather O'Reilly, from East Brunswick, and defender Christie Rampone, from Point Pleasant.