A cold drizzle drifted across the main pitch of Sportcomplex De Toekomst as 3:00 PM neared, the grey skies hanging low and heavy over the stadium. Rain slicked the artificial turf, giving it a faint shimmer under the dull afternoon light. Despite the wet conditions, the stands buzzed with life. Unusually, Utrecht's traveling fans outnumbered the home support.
A sea of red and white Ajax scarves and flags dominated one side, but notably, a larger contingent of FC Utrecht supporters draped in scarves and flags over their jackets of a different shade of white and red of their own had made the trip. They filled the opposite stand, their voices loud and boisterous. The atmosphere was electric: drums thumped, fans chanted in dueling songs, and a nervous excitement crackled in the crisp April air.
You could swear this was not an academy game, and it would be believable.
