Staff writer Emorie Hayes muddles in her friendship as she observes the Columbia University versus Dartmouth Men’s Soccer Tournament.

On Saturday, the men’s soccer team took down the Dartmouth Big Green, the sopping wet benches of the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium greeting the bottom of my jorts, swift October winds rush through my Columbia University hoodie, and my thick leather-bound journal sits on my lap, my eyes tuned in to the game in front of me. 

As the game proceeds, Dartmouth is the first to score with around 12 minutes and 23 seconds left of the first half. Dean Kelliher (CC ‘26), Columbia’s goalkeeper, fingers a hair away from blocking the ball, which reminds me of the sweet cherub that I have the opportunity to call my friend who attends Dartmouth.

Every swift pass follows a laugh of yours, making fun of something in relation to the weather or even their choice of shoes. I can picture you so much that you almost become actualized, your starry eyes glazed over with school pride, knees tucked into yourself because you have so much energy you don’t even know what to do with yourself. 

I know that when there’s a foul between forward position Henning Myrvang (CC ‘29) and Dartmouth’s Alexis Huneau for getting too handsy, you would stand up on the stadium benches and let everyone hear your opinion. 

No matter if it is for my own team or the opposing team, when the crowd begins to muddle in victory, shaking and screaming with glee as a new point is gained for their team, I almost, just barely, turn beside me to celebrate with you, only to find the ghost of your memory. 

Stepan Kapranov (CC ‘29) scores with 43 minutes and 45 seconds left of the second half—the ball slicing through the netting like your presence I can’t seem to escape.

As I journey home on the subway, nestled comfortably in the vivid orange seats of the 1 train, my thoughts drift to the upcoming men’s soccer match. I envision myself sitting in the stadium seats again on October 14 at 6 pm, anticipating not only the team’s score but also your voice echoing throughout the game. 

Image via Author