Soccer crowds approach all-time levels
With two important Ohio Valley Conference home matches this weekend, the Tennessee Tech soccer team is counting on the home field advantage of Tech Soccer Field to give it a boost.
Golden Eagles host conference foes Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State this weekend
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — With two important Ohio Valley Conference home matches this weekend, the Tennessee Tech soccer team is counting on the home field advantage of Tech Soccer Field to give it a boost.
On the heels of offseason upgrades to the facility, Golden Eagle soccer fans have responded by coming out in force to support the team.
Tech was spurred to a 2-1 victory over Lipscomb on Sept. 18 by more than 400 fans, the sixth-largest crowd ever to see a TTU home soccer match.
“The crowd was fantastic,” head coach Daniel Brizard said of the showing. “I can’t say that enough. I’d like to give everybody a big ‘thank you’ for showing up to the Lipscomb game. I think everybody is pleased with the new facility and it’s a more enjoyable environment now that the sun is at the fans’ backs.”
Offseason facility enhancements included moving the bleachers from the east side of the field to the west side, the construction of a new concrete walkway from the parking lot to the bleachers, and the installation of a new scoreboard.
With sunny weather and temperatures predicted in the mid-60s to low-70s for matches against Eastern Kentucky at 3 p.m. Friday and Morehead State and 1 p.m. Sunday, the Golden Eagles are hoping for the same type of crowd support they experienced against Lipscomb.
“It makes you want to play better for them when the crowd is there in big numbers and into the game,” said sophomore forward Ellie Iaciofano. “It makes you want to win for the fans because they are there cheering for you.”
“It definitely makes it more intense,” said freshman Amanda Koch. “It makes you raise up your level of play and intensity.”
Below is a list of the top 10 all-time soccer crowds at Tennessee Tech.
Date Opponent Attendance
Oct. 19, 2008 Southeast Missouri 551
Sept. 5, 2010 UNC Asheville 519
Oct. 17, 2008 Eastern Illinois 439
Aug. 21, 2009 Middle Tennessee 437
Oct. 9, 2009 Austin Peay 418
Sept. 25, 2009 Tennessee-Martin 399
Aug. 28, 2009 Chattanooga 399
Sept. 11, 2002 UNC Asheville 350
Oct. 24, 2010 Austin Peay 294
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