Eager spectators trickled into the sidelines of the Emirates Palace pitch as brightly colored soccer players, dressed in neon green and pink, began to warm up. This marked the beginning of the annual freshmen versus sophomores football match: InterCLASSico, which took place on Wednesday, May 1.

The sound of the whistle resonated and the game got off to a fast-paced start. The members of each team showcased tenacity and a desire to satisfy their fellow classmates and team managers — their class representatives — with a win.

In the first half, right-back freshman Dirichi D. Ike-njoku’s defensive skills were received with roaring cheers from freshmen spectators.

Freshman Tamy Sanchez-Ortiz, one of the two girls who played in the match, remarked, “Our defense was especially solid; [Ike-njoku] stuck to [sophomore Ilya Bozhenkov] like glue and barely let him touch the ball, effectively keeping him out of the game.”

However, the freshmen’s defense was not enough. Few touches and quick passes culminated in the freshmen team eventually conceding a goal when sophomore captain Suhaib Mohaidat, with ease and confidence, scored. The first half ended with two injuries and one goal placing the score at 1 — 0 in favor of the sophomores.

With two of the freshmen defenders out due to injuries, the sophomores greeted the advent of the second half with ferocity. Their aim was all too apparent: a win. Bozhenkov scored three goals, earning himself a hat trick. Sophomore Israel Desta, with minutes of the second half to spare, scored the sophomores’ last goal.

“[The sophomores] were dangerous on the flanks in the second half, and that's when they got most of their opportunities,” Sanchez-Ortiz said.

Motivated by shouting from the crowd, the freshmen fired back. Freshman captain Osama Salman, despite his injuries, kicked in a goal that was soon discounted as he was offside. Freshman striker Hussein Karzoumi just barely missed the net on one occasion as the ball hit the upper portion of the post. Eventually, sophomore goalie Brandon Wahba proved to be no match for Karzoumi, who scored the freshmen a goal with a penalty shot.

The whistle sounded and the game ended, leaving the sophomores victorious.

For Ike-njoku “the most beautiful part of the entire event was at its end, when players from both sides shook hands, embraced and took photos with the spectators. All in all, it was a wonderful way to draw the football season to a close.”

Salman acknowledged that the atmosphere was imbued with camaraderie and team spirit.

“[InterCLASSico] is a great way to bring the university community closer together through sports. It's good to have healthy competition between classes, and as competitive as it gets on the pitch, when the game is over, we exchange handshakes and hugs.”

While the game’s end proved joyous for some, it was bittersweet for others.

“It was the last time we'd be playing together as a class for some time,” said sophomore Mohit Mandal. “But the atmosphere [was] so great — ultimately all of us just wanted to get out on the pitch and enjoy the night for what it was: a celebration.”

A celebration it was indeed — a celebration of talent and sports, but most importantly, of camaraderie, team spirit and love.

Coach Peter Dicce expressed this sentiment to all soccer players before the match.

"Memories of matches and results fade over time … what is most important is the relationships you develop,” Dicce said. “When you look back years from now you may not remember this match, but hopefully you will remember each other and that memory will make you smile.”