If you’ve ever seen these guys practice, or talked to them after a game, it would be impossible not to have a lump in your throat or not want to cry with them too.
I guess as a journalist I wasn’t supposed to get attached to the team I was covering. But with these guys, how could I not?
To the members of the men’s soccer senior class of 2005: Dowser, Darius, Danilo… Luc, Joe, Pierce and Phil… Thank you.
Three years ago, I wasn’t a big soccer fan. Actually, I never watched an entire soccer game in my life. And after Saturday’s loss, I realized I’ve never cared more about any other team.
Paul Marco’s squad will be fine next season. He has plenty of young guys capable of stepping up. But this isn’t about wins and losses; it’s about how much I’m going to miss these seniors. I’m going to miss their singing, their jokes and their spirit. I’m going to miss watching Danilo call out “Danilo” as he goes up for a header.
Their dedication and passion on the soccer field was so much fun to watch.
After the conference championship, Danilo apologized to me, because he knew I wanted to see the Bearcats make a deeper playoff run. Trust me, there is nothing to feel sorry for. You know, there’s a reason why I play “Stand Up for the Champions” at the end of every home game.
Thanks for providing so many amazing memories over the last three years. I love you guys.