It's another Champions League afternoon in the five boroughs, though the stakes are fairly higher as Chelsea kick off against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their semifinal. As such, a nervous energy ripples through the Blues supporters who have gathered at Bar 43, casting a serious, yet passionate, air over the Sunnyside, Queens establishment.

It wasn't always like this, though, as the bar's signed baseballs, football pennants, and Giants and Jets helmets may indicate. But owner Nick Murphy and soccer manager Robbie Kennerney both recognize the process of building up a local viewing interest---when the bar opened in May of 2008, there was only one thing in mind.

"You can tell from the décor that it opened with the intention of being the definitive sports bar for Sunnyside," says Kennerney. "They kind of built up their NFL crowd and that sort of thing, but, more recently, we’ve decided to give soccer the full attention that we can."

Full attention, indeed---Kennerney hopes to expand Bar 43's soccer palette to include competitions like the Copa Libertadores, Argentina's Primera, and Brazil's Campeonato. With a bevy of ethnic communities, he says, Sunnyside is an ideal location for growth.

"This area, between here and a couple more neighborhoods up, is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the entire world, in terms of the pockets of communities," he explains. "You don't know until you try---the challenge for us is to get the word out to them that we will be showing them."

It may not be as large as other soccer establishments, but Bar 43's airy atmosphere (complete with skylights and seating along the sidewalk) give it a unique feel. (Bar 43)

Still, perhaps an even bigger focus for the bar concerns the growth of the American game. Murphy and Kennerney, who both hail from Ireland, reiterate their commitment to Major League Soccer and the city's local teams, a refreshing attitude compared to establishments who simply focus on sides like Arsenal and Liverpool. As an official pub partner with the New York Red Bulls---whose March games even took precedence over the latter rounds of the NCAA tournament---Bar 43 can certainly back up its American claims.

"We’re going to make Major League Soccer a focal point of what we do here," says Kennerney. "When the Red Bulls play, the audio goes up for them. You make a commitment—the fans that come and watch appreciate that kind of level of commitment."

In addition to serving the community as well as plenty of local beers and "Atomic Wings," both men believe the bar plays a vital role in developing soccer's stateside popularity. In fact, Kennerney says he takes far more pride in seeing the turnout for a Red Bulls game than Chelsea-Manchester United.

"Soccer has kind of been apologizing for itself far too long in the United States," he says. "I feel like that’s a mentality that’s changing within MLS now. They’re no longer apologizing for being who they are."

Apologies won't apply to the United States national team, either, as the side carry unprecedented levels of support into this summer's World Cup. Unfortunately, after average turnouts in 2010, Bar 43's plans for expansion won't be finished in time for the opening kickoff on June 12. But Murphy is still looking forward to a lively tournament, especially with the bar's open, airy atmosphere and Queens' penchant for festivities.

"I remember years before, even before we opened, and I worked in bars in Astoria---it was lined with cars, flags out windows and blowing horns. There’s people out there for it, and I think this year’s going to be very exciting. I don’t think Ireland’s going to win anything, though," he laughs.

Like most soccer-centric establishments, Bar 43 offers a large selection of draft beers, including local favorites like Ommegang, Singlecut, and Blue Point. (Bar 43)

While the U.S. have slim chances of their own, Kennerney wants to pack in as many American supporters as Bar 43 can hold---the supporters who will scream and shout with flags draped around their shoulders, he says. Additionally, Kennerney believes stoking the passion of American fans during the World Cup will only lead to better turnouts when the club season roars back to life.

"As we come out of the World Cup, we’re looking to use the World Cup as a springboard for higher attendance here for Premier League games, Serie A games, for Champions League games in the fall," he says. "We’re taking the opportunity for the World Cup to show people who don’t normally come in here for soccer that this isn’t a one-time deal."

As Chelsea's defense turns away wave after wave of Atletico attack, Murphy points out several of the regulars, both expats and Americans, sitting at the bar. They no longer look out of place among the baseballs and footballs---after listening to Bar 43's soccer intentions, there's little doubt surrounding the growth and pride in supporting not only the global game, but soccer in the United States.

Ultimately, Kennerney hopes Bar 43 can play a role in the shifting tide of American interest, and he knows it starts with casting the spotlight on the beautiful game.

"I feel like that’s part of process as well—not being ashamed to make soccer the focus, for the Red Bulls to be part of your identity, and for soccer to become part of your identity."

For menus, contact information, and more, visit Bar 43's website at www.bar43.com.

If you’re interested in profiles of other New York City soccer establishments, take a look at our additional features.

Guinness and Carlsberg are two staples of Bar 43, which is looking to expand its soccer presence in the biggest of ways. (Bar 43)

Feature photo credit: Bar 43