Reflection - OSSC

Providence College was a mud-filled puddle that our Bears happened to step in.  A puddle is a perfect metaphor for the Friars which seemingly pulled us into their murky style of football.  We had a vision of keeping possession, and combining up the field, but the ball spent more time off the pitch then on (and I don't just mean in the air).  After the whistle was blown each of the 13 times for the Bears, the game ball went missing for a period of time.  Speaking with spectators and parents post-game the "jabulani"s were spotted bouncing down the streets and off of the dormitories close by.  The feeling of absence left our boys frustrated and hungry for the ball.  However, once we were able to settle the ball and play we put together several attacks which ended with shots on goal.  We clawed our way into the second half feeling "OK" about the first.  

Unfortunately we did not come out with our best in the second.  We tripped and stumbled through the first 15 minutes leaving an open door for PC if they could string the passes together to take advantage, which to their surprise, they could not.  We were able to counter with combinations thanks to our movement off the ball which resulted in several quality opportunities squandered.  The Bears began to clean up the play with superior technical skill until a turnover resulted in a goal against.  Once the ball was in the back of our net, in the 68th minute, it may have been on the field for 10 minutes after that.  It went MIA.  The ball boys transformed into ball hogs which we did not have the time to chase.  

Our Bears were respectable and fought until the end.  PC 1 - Brown 0. 

Sunday, a brand new day, a brand new feeling, and a brand spanking new playlist for the bus by the now infamous Coach Groves.  I stayed behind to drive a spotless, fuel-filled van which would be used to transport anxious-to-have-yet-another-1st-year-meeting freshman back to Brown ASAP.  

Bryant aimed to "directly impact" the game from the start, however, we kept the ball on the ground and passed around their chase.  Alex "Kiwi" Carr received his second collegiate start and first shutout with a strong team of elders surrounding him.  Three Bears earned their first goals of the season but certainly not their last.  We were prepared for an emotional game after PC and the "kick and run" style of Bryant proved to be no match for our silky smooth combinations and hard-nosed organized defense.  Brown 3 - Bryant 0.

To match the taste of victory in our stomachs we were met with pizza at the bus from Kingston, the most delicious post-game meal yet.  Complaints from Cyrus "the swiss army knife" Mahler were rebutted with less and less pizza.  The first-year van was driven by myself without stop or stall straight back to the Pizz to ensure the class of 2015 didn't miss a minute of our fresh meat.  A great night to be a Brown Bear.

Stay tuned for the recap of today's match:  GMU AT BROWN KICK OFF: 7:30 PM