The Good Ole Ocean State Classic

Friends, Family, Fanatics and of course, Dave “The Flash” Flaschen, welcome back to another promising season of “real football…. BEAR’S STYLE!” Once again back on campus for my 5^th year (how many years is too many years?), my career playing on Stevenson has run its course, but my ability to get as close to the glory days as possible lives on, as I’ve been granted the opportunity to work with the team as a student assistant/blogger/glorified water boy for the year.

After a promising Spring season for the boys of 6 a.m. Blackstone runs, glorious Sunday ‘toca’ sessions, and an incredible journey to the home country of “El Gran Pepeciño” the 2012 fall season is now upon us. Goodbye’s have been said to the now married, “Iron Man” Culpy, the lush grass that once graced Stevenson field, and the unforgettable legendary class of “Super” seniors. But in lieu of these losses, BMS welcomes a new batch of 8 talented freshmen, a new trainer by the name of Dave “the Dude” Murray, and against all odds, a pitch that will probably last throughout the season.

After an outstanding display during preseason including a 7-0 thrashing over the optimistically named “Win”“Stars” Academy from Canada, and a convincing 5-0 triumph over Stonehill College, we began the season at home, under the lights against our Rhode Island rivals, URI in the Rhode Island State Classic. Revved up by a combination of dubstep jams

(like this gem), a brisk warm up and the team’s newest drink of choice, Beet Juice, the boys took to the field with energy and enthusiasm.

Taking control of the play early on, BMS dictated the speed and rhythm of the game from the get go, with fine performances from the freshmen middy Tariq, strong defending from our veteran back line, and some statement tackles from Kevin “the enforcer” Gavey. Then it happened, in the 23^rd minute, man down in the box, hesitation, and then that occasionally beautiful sound of the shrill whistle for a PK! The veteran striker T-Mac stepped up to the plate, and proved that even a new hairdo couldn’t stop him from finding the back of the net. 1-0 Good guys.

The first half continued with chances for both sides, including a few dangerous crosses from the Rams that were dealt with deftly by the back line and a pair of fine saves by senior keeper Kernan-Schloss. A frustrated URI side thought it wise to get chippy, and attempted to aggravate Gavey with a series of malicious tackles and shirt tugs, but were soon justly rewarded with a trifecta of yellow cars, as well as some clean but bruise-inducing tackles from the iron-clad winger.

The second half was a bit perplexing, as the bears returned to the field seemingly in hibernation mode. Meanwhile, the Rams had awoken, and took advantage of this opportunity, pinging the ball around and gaining confidence. Finally, after the Rams found the net only to have the goal be called back for offsides, the boys seemed to wake up. After a speculative effort by T-Mac that the goalie got his hands to, and a curling laser from Voltaire “V” Escalona that sailed just wide of the far post, the Rams had perhaps their best opportunity of the game from about ten yards out. But, luckily for the Bears the combination of Sam’s hulking form and beet stained lips proved too much for the Ram striker, who whiffed the ball far over the goal. The game ended as a nail biter, but once again, the Bears managed to pull together a 1-0 W, get the shutout, and christen the newly turfed Stevenson with a victory.

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After a two-day break, the Bears returned to action against the Providence Friars for the Rhode Island State Classic Championship hosted at URI (after extensive research the rationale for who hosts when still escapes me). The Bears once again began the game with energy as Bobby “Bizzle” Belair and Volatire put pressure on the Friars backline, and Dylan “run-a-lot” Remick pressed forward on the left side creating crosses and corners.

Though both sides produced a few decent chances, the first half proved an even battle up until the 42^nd minute, when Freshman Jameson “Blockhead” Lochead pinged a pass that found Big Ben Maurey in stride as he approached the left corner. Then, proving to Crouch, Carroll and Monstrous strikers around the world that big men ARE worth more than just their heads, Ben pinged a neat, left-footed ball across the mouth of the goal to find the streaking blur of Tommy “el Tomate” Arns who knocked in his first career goal at a vital moment for the Brown squad. 1-0 Bears!

The Second half once again started without much fanfare as it took a few minutes for the Bears to lumber back into gear. Perhaps where we seemed to struggle most was finding feet in the opposing half, as many a well-intentioned pass found its way off the pitch. As the half sped on, both sides had chances with T-Mac and V putting up several attempts that fell just wide of the net. The Friars had 1 or 2 heart-stopping moments including a heart-stopping clearance off the line from the Ryan “Snuffalupagus” McDuff and two fine saves from Schloss.

So the game ended 1-0, with the Bears finding away to scrap out a victory (Bearstyle!) and claim their first ever Ocean State Classic Trophy. Although the trophy itself appeared to have been the product of a Kindergarten art project gone awry, the boys nonetheless celebrated a great start to the season, with confidence, subs (thanks parents!) and a case of cookies that magically disappeared towards the front of the bus.

Cheers to All-Tournament Honorees Erob, Karl Markes, and Tariq, and to the Tournament MVP Dylan "I'm Sexy" Remick

Next up Cleveland State at 7:30 p.m. on Stevenson for the Brown Soccer Classic!