When the Denver Pioneers’ soccer team glanced around its own pitch last weekend, the program had never seen that many fans at University of Denver Soccer Stadium.

A record crowd of 1,875 witnessed the No. 3 Pioneers beat No. 14 Indiana 1-0.

“To be able to win in front of that many people is just a really cool moment in the Denver soccer community,” DU coach Jamie Franks said on the Denver Pioneers Coaches Show.

So what’s at stake at 1 p.m. Saturday, when Denver hosts UMass in an NCAA Tournament quarterfinal? The Pioneers’ second berth in the College Cup, soccer’s Final Four. A potential celebration with over 2,000 fans, many of whom will perch in standing room-only territory.

Ticket sales for the biggest home match at DU hovered around 1,200 Friday. With a Saturday forecast of 60 degrees and sunshine, that number is expected to jump on game day.

Expect another record-breaking crowd at DU.

“That feeling of support allows you to go for it. It allows you to not play tense,” Franks said.

Denver’s been successful in this position only once before. The Pioneers reached the College Cup in 2016, the second season with Franks as coach. That was part of an unbeaten stretch that spanned two seasons. It also came against a much-easier schedule.

This time around, the Pioneers scheduled anyone, anywhere, anytime — an approach they believe prepared them for matches like Saturday’s NCAA Tournament quarterfinal.

UMass presents a real challenge in the form of graduate student Alec Hughes. The program’s all-time leading goal scorer with 48, Hughes has been named Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year three seasons in a row. He scored 16 goals during the regular season and has added a pair of goals in the postseason. DU’s scouting report has a heavy focus on slowing Hughes (No. 12) and junior Matt Cence (No. 9).

“They make you defend,” Franks said.

UMass is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2007. Denver’s here for the third time, the first since 2016. The winner gets the No. 2 Pittsburgh-Vermont winner in a national semifinal.

“If you match (UMass’) intensity and match their fight, our quality and our skill takes over at that point,” Franks said.

The College Cup takes place next Friday and Monday in Cary, N.C.