The NYU Abu Dhabi men's football team made it to Semi-Finals of the Abu Dhabi Inter-University Sports League after defeating United Arab Emirates University 2-1 on Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Starting at 9 p.m., the game was kicked off with an intensity that could be felt both on and off the field. Fans showed up chanting and cheering for their home team as the game began. Players from the basketball and volleyball teams were seen running to the stadium after finishing their own games to show their support.

The match started with gridlock as both teams struggled to move the ball up and down the field. UAEU’s well coordinated defensive line made it difficult for NYUAD to score, but NYUAD slowly gained momentum, bypassing their competitor’s defense by sneaking around through the wings.

Fatih Haloglu, Joseph Nartey Opey and Yazan Al-Ajlouni, all Class of 2019, played explosively with short passes attempting to infiltrate the defense. When half-time struck, the game was still scoreless. “The guys are doing their best and we’re so proud of them. We’re happy to be here for their last… hopefully not their last game,” said Mai Awamleh, Class of 2019, during the halftime break. “I've been to every game this semester and the past semester and I'm proud to say that they've come a long way.” Just as the second half began, Nartey Opey, Class of 2019, scored a speedy goal, slipping past the central defenders enabling him to take a shot.

UAEU came back with a hefty offensive as the game intensified. NYUAD had to put together a quick defense in order resist, with Nikoloz Adeishvili, Class of 2019, literally sliding into the goal kicking the ball out as the clock ticked. As the final minute struck, UAEU scored a goal after a confusing scrimmage in NYUAD’s penalty area.

Now tied and into overtime, both teams played with maximum effort as the crowd screamed from the stands. With approximately one minute left, NYUAD was awarded a free kick from the halfline.

Both teams lined up for a nail-biting finish to the match. Alberto Castillo, Class of 2019, managed to hammer a goal in, flying over the defense and goalkeeper.

“So I wasn't going for goal. I was trying to put it close to the keepers hands so Nik could get it for the header, because Nik can as he's really tall. The keeper was playing a little forward, a little ahead of his line and it went over him over the top and in. That's what we wanted, that's what we needed,” said Castillo after the game.