Tech soccer expects to get boost from new fan section

Tennessee Tech’s soccer team is looking to create a unique atmosphere with the creation of the new fan section, the Screaming Eagles.
The idea came from assistant coach Corey Boyd, who looked to professional teams for inspiration.  
“Many soccer teams have supporters groups,” Boyd said. “An example is Sam’s Army, the U.S. National Team’s supporters group.
“In Europe, these groups are called ultras. Fanatical groups that dress in the colors of their club and sing and chant from kick-off until the end of the match.”
The promotion of the new section led to an attendance of 400 at last Friday’s match against Middle Tennessee State University.
The big crowd was a welcome sight to junior midfielder Emily Homan.
“We love when our stands are full,” Homan said.  “It makes us better to hear people cheering for us.  Our level rises because of them.”
Boyd said, “Our players love our fans, so I wanted the fans to also feel that they are part of something, as well as being able to have a great time in the process.”
Homan said, “We are encouraging fans to dress up, cheer, sing and chant as long as it’s clean. We want the games to be fun not only for the players, but for the fans as well.”
Boyd also mentioned that the only restriction for the section is noisemakers, which are an NCAA violation.
The team’s next home match is Sept. 23 as they open conference play against Jackson State University.  It will also be the team’s breast cancer awareness game. For more information, please visit TTUSports.com.