I attended. I must say that my family and I debated whether we wanted to brave the chill air, spend $20 a ticket, and sit out at Regions yesterday afternoon. However, we did attend, mostly because we have a budding 10 yr old soccer star and are active in Hoover Soccer club. We found it was well worth the effort. The speed and skill of the two teams was remarkable. We witnessed a high level of play and some very enthusiastic Charlotte students. We were pulling for Charlotte, and the 49ers were actually the more aggressive team and had more shots on goal. However, a largely solo play and masterful shot by a Tarheel gave UNC the one goal they needed.
The refs really let them play. Very few whistles and a very physical game. I think Charlotte thought they were done wrong by the ref, and there were some questionable no-calls, but by and large the refs let them play very physical on both ends.
It was really a pretty amazing game.
It would be really cool if the Soccer Cup did for the region that the college baseball world series did for Omaha.
College Cup is back again next year.
I was there with my brother, father, and son. We sat behind the goal at the "3rd base" end right at the goal post. We sat there to get a lot of tv time. And we did. We went back and watched the game later that night (fast forwarded of course). You can see us waving several times. Can't see my son because he was sitting back in his chair and under a blanket playing with my iPhone most of the night.
It was a great game. As former officials, we thought the crew did a good job, however, we do think that Charlotte was robbed of a PK early in the 2nd half. But overall, I think the players decided the game because Charlotte had plenty of chances. They just couldn't find the back of the net. The late barrage of shots with around 3 minutes to go in the game was just awesome. Right in front of us.
(12-12-2011 05:08 PM)bladhmadh Wrote: [ -> ]How was the crowd
I would have guessed around 7,000 to 9,000. I am not a good judge though. The Charlotte crowd was amazing. Very well organized. I actually was hoping Charlotte would win because their fans were so crazy. I am sure the fans gave the players much needed boosts at times during the game. The sound echoed off the back of the stadium so it got pretty loud at times. I can see why Coach Getman said it was a great atmosphere for soccer. The corner near the right field was tight for lefty kickers but other than that it looked like a great place to play. They put metal bleachers up in left field and that is where the central camera was mounted. I will definitely go back next year. Hopefully our Blazers make it to the finals.
Hate I missed it. I heard the media was praising attendance at 8,000. If that was UAB and 20,000 in the house the cries would be shut it down.
That said I hope the Blazers are in it next year. I will be there.
(12-12-2011 05:08 PM)bladhmadh Wrote: [ -> ]How was the crowd
I heard the attendance was somewhere between 8,000 to 9,000
Should have been better, IMO. I don't think Birmingham/Hoover residents really turned out very well. Typical.
...though it could have been better advertised and promoted in the local media.
I watched some of the games on TV, it was a great atmosphere, and how about that, an all-Carolina final? Happy for the Heels, but I was rooting for Charlotte, since their path to the championship went thru UAB...Blazers will get there next year....Unleash The Dragon!!!!
(12-12-2011 05:23 PM)ATTALLABLAZE Wrote: [ -> ]Hate I missed it. I heard the media was praising attendance at 8,000. If that was UAB and 20,000 in the house the cries would be shut it down.
That said I hope the Blazers are in it next year. I will be there.
Yes but there was actually about 8,000 there. Unlike at UAB where there is 8,000 and they say 20,000 were at the game.
It was around 9000 for Friday Night & 8000 for the championship game.