250 out of 5,000: That is how many Fetzer Field seats were filled the last time Florida State played UNC in women’s soccer in Chapel Hill.  The lack of fan support was a disappointment and may have contributed to the disappointing final score: Florida State 2 – UNC 1.

 
Fast forward eleven months to this Thursday (9/27) at 7 p.m.  The Seminoles are coming back to town sporting a perfect 9-0 record and a #1 ranking.  I think it’s the most important game in the most important season in UNC’s recent history, and I’m calling on Tar Heel fans across the Triangle to show up and fill up every available seat at Fetzer.
 
The game itself should be a great one.  Soccer matches feature eleven players a side but UNC v. FSU could be determined by an incredible 1v1 matchup:  Florida State’s amazing striker Tiffany McCarty against Crystal Dunn, Carolina’s incomparable defender.  Dunn has the gift of talent along with the asset UNC head coach Anson Dorrance prizes most: the gift of fury.  She was spectacular in UNC’s 3-1 win last week over then #6 Virginia Tech.
 
Just like the ‘Noles, the Hokies came into Fetzer undefeated.  914 fans watched Va Tech go home with their first loss of the season.  I’m counting (literally!) on 5,000 Tar Heel faithful to be on hand this Thursday night to see (hopefully) a similar outcome.  The last time UNC played a #1 ranked team at home was August 2011.  The opponent: Notre Dame.  The result: 2-1 Heels (in an overtime thriller).  The number of fans on hand: 5,236. 
 

I rest my case.
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