Why you need to go to the UConn men’s soccer game tomorrow
We’re in the playoffs
In a year where many believed the Huskies needed to win a conference championship to get into the NCAA tournament, we’re back in for the first time in two years.
The Huskies will host the first round of the tournament, Thursday against Boston University at 12:30pm.
Now every UConn student has been thinking the same thing; why would I go to a soccer match in the middle of the afternoon? Having class at the same time is just one of the reasons the UConn faithful have been dissuaded from attending the game. Well, there is truly no better reason to miss class on a Thursday afternoon, and here are five reasons why you should be there at Morrone Stadium.
It’s an NCAA tournament game
So often do I hear UConn students saying, “I wish the NCAA tournament was hosted here at UConn.” Well the field hockey team, women’s soccer, and women’s basketball all have hosted NCAA tournament games in the last calendar year here in Storrs.
It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a game with as much magnitude as this. The best part is, unlike the men’s basketball AAC tournament last season, you don’t have to go all the way to the XL Center either. The game will be right up Jim Calhoun Way, at Morrone Stadium.
Free tickets
I know I am appealing to the college student in all of us, but let’s be honest we all like free stuff. The fact any UConn student has the opportunity to watch an NCAA tournament game live and won’t have to pay a dime to do so is one no student should turn down.
One hour before the game begins (11:30am), the UConn Goal Patrol will host a pregame celebration outside of the East entrance of Gampel Pavilion. Students can get free food, as well as free tickets to the game.
Joe Morrone
This reason is a bit more heart-rending, but it is a very important reason why you should be there. Joe Morrone is a legend of UConn soccer, a man who built the program with his bare hands and made it into what it is today.
He coached men’s soccer here at UConn from 1969 to 1996, winning a national championship in 1981, and on September 16th of this year he died from pancreatic cancer.
Three days before passing, he attended his last UConn game, a thrilling comeback victory over UC Santa Barbara. After Thursday, the team will not host anymore NCAA tournament games this season, making this the last game UConn will play on the field that is rightfully named after him.
The players deserve a full house
I can’t emphasize this enough. This team started 0-0-3. At one point they were under .500 and hopes of a tournament berth were bleaker than ever under coach Ray Reid. But the Huskies stormed back, going unbeaten in seven straight matches, to the conference championship. The team lost on penalty kicks, but it didn’t stop the NCAA from recognizing the work this team put in all season to get better. UConn soccer feeds off the crowd, and will need Morrone Stadium packed with fans.
Goal Patrol
UConn soccer teams feed off the energy and passion their fans bring. It doesn’t get more passionate and more energetic than Goal Patrol. The group of UConn students who prey on the opposing goaltender for the entire night.
They bring life to Morrone Stadium in a way that isn’t seen anywhere in college sports. If you don’t believe me, go tomorrow and listen as one half of an entire stadium screams, “UCONN” and has the half of the stadium reply, “HUSKIES.” A stadium wide UConn Huskies chant brings chills to the spine of not only some of the fans, but to the players as well.
The team loves it, and needs that electric atmosphere. Goal Patrol will be there in full swing Thursday afternoon against the Boston University Terriers, the question is, will you?