But I wasn’t disappointed. Over 3,000 fans attended, chants and cheers were plentiful, and Harvard rode its momentum to secure a goal late in the match for an exciting 2-1 win over Stanford.

Exactly one year later, at its second Fall Fiesta, echoes of that night were heard, with Crimson fans replicating their energy and the soccer squad delivering similar results. Harvard rode the support of the crowd and relentlessly challenged Northeastern’s defense to secure a game-winner late in the second half, a testament to the team’s character and to the power of the twelfth man.

As the Harvard Athletic Department kicks off this year’s Student Rewards Program, offering students Crimson Cash and a chance to be entered into a raffle for a grand prize at every featured athletic event they attend, here’s to hoping that higher attendance will be seen at matches for many different sports.

Let’s maintain big numbers for big contests, but let’s not stop there.

Trek across the river for that night game with your blockmates (even if there is no free t-shirt). Spend a Saturday afternoon watching your friends and classmates, and bring your other friends with you.

Let’s try to get a crowd at every game, show our school spirit, and raise the stakes.

Let’s all be on that field, together.

—Staff writer Stephanie E. Herwatt can be reached at sherwatt@college.harvard.edu.