The conference semifinal against Transylvania was bound to be exciting, dramatic and maybe even controversial. At the end, even though we didn't advance, losing on penalties after drawing 1-1 it was an experience I think everyone will remember. The crowd was the largest, most partisan in more than a decade, overwhelming the stands set out in the old Orchard and filling the sideline about 10 people deep. I was told that the crowd could be heard all over campus.
We trailed early on after Transy won the ball in our half and scored a rebound after Sam Embry made yet another great save. When we equalized with about 15 minutes to play, the crowd roar after Ameer, who scored the goal from a Feli Muyumba assist, toured the sideline with his hands to his ears as if he couldn't hear them.
But there were few other chances for either team in regulation or overtime and penalties duplicated the result of the 2011 semifinal, #4 beating #1, except the outcome saw Transy advance. After the disappointment of the result, I was greatly impressed by the reaction of the crowd to recognize the efforts of our team and support the players. A memorable if bittersweet experience.
