Maryland’s win over No. 2 North Carolina Friday night was the perfect microcosm of the Terps’ season.
Entering the game as the top soccer team in the country, the Terps did not disappoint. While the thrilling back-and-forth game included a saved penalty shot towards the end of regulation and a winning goal in overtime, perhaps the most impressive thing to take away from this game was the attendance.
Ludwig Field hosted 7,340 fans on Friday, the second highest total in the team’s history. However, this figure was reached during a night filled with thunderstorms and high winds. How many people stayed home because of the weather? I don’t think a total of 10,000 people would be a crazy estimate had there been fair weather.
To put this into context, I looked up a few attendance numbers. Maryland has averaged 3,561 fans per game this season. North Carolina averages only 1,984 people per game, although they have also been a top soccer program for years. This is a testament to Maryland soccer fans, as well as The Crew, an independent club that organizes soccer tailgates and in-game chants for every game, often even traveling to opposing schools.
What The Crew has done as an independent institution deserves praise from Maryland for their ability to draw fans. While the team itself without a doubt is worth the trip to Ludwig Field, The Crew has done an underrated job of garnering attention for the game via social media outlets.
The Terps have two home games remaining, and you know The Crew will be out there in full force. The only question is how many others will show up as well. The Terps need the support, as they look to continue towards an undefeated season, rain or shine.
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