The tension was mounting as the UCSB men’s soccer team arrived at Torero Stadium for Sunday’s second-round battle with 11th-seeded University of San Diego.
But there was a special moment that lightened the mood and brought smiles to every one on the Gauchos before they stepped on the field to warm up.
When they entered their locker room they found the place decorated with blue and gold streamers. There also were a few yellow balloons for coach Tim Vom Steeg to kick, in case he needed to unleash any frustration.
The only thing the coach was kicking that night was his heels.
The Gauchos went out and played a terrific game and upset the Toreros 1-0 to advance to a Sweet 16 matchup with UCLA this Sunday at 5 p.m.
Vom Steeg said after the match he and his team were moved by the actions of the Gaucho Locos fan group. There was a large contingent of UCSB supporters at the match and they made their presence known with their loud cheering, songs and, of course, tortilla throwing, They turned the place into Harder Stadium South.
When the final buzzer sounded, a cascade of tortillas came flying onto the field, and the celebration was on.
“The number of people who drove down here was unbelievable. It lifted our guys,” Vom Steeg said in the postgame press conference. “You cannot say enough about the support we have in Santa Barbara. If there was a game ball (to be handed out), it goes to those guys as much as anybody on our team.”
Vom Steeg then went on say that this Sunday’s matchup with UCLA shouldn’t be missed as both teams possess great speed and they’ll be going up and down the field.
“If you want to be a soccer fan, you’ll want to be at that game,” he said
You can be sure the Gaucho Locos will be there in mass.
