“If you’re proud to be a Bearcat, clap your hands.”

So went the song in the showers after we crushed UMBC in the America East semifinals Wednesday night. Over the past season there have been plenty of moments that have made the men’s soccer team proud to be Bearcats, but there hasn’t been a moment like this coming weekend.

At the start of August, on the first day of the preseason, we set the goal of returning to the NCAA tournament. Three months and 20 games later, we find ourselves one hurdle away from achieving that goal.

While the season is far from over, the men’s soccer team would like to thank those who have helped us get to the brink of our goal. We are especially thankful to the members of the women’s basketball team who drove to Hartwick to watch us play a non-conference game. And to the volleyball, wrestling, softball, golf, women’s lacrosse and, of course, the women’s soccer team, for taking time out of its busy practice schedules to come support us. And finally, to the men’s lacrosse team who, with their bare chests and loud chants, made beating Boston last Saturday so much sweeter.

Sure, nothing could possibly beat the feeling of winning the America East Championship. But seeing our fellow athletes support us from the touchlines, and our other loyal fans, really does make us proud to be Bearcats. Let’s hope we will be singing it in the showers again on Saturday night.

See ya at Stony Brook!