Quake n' Steak

After a long five-hour journey to the home of the cheesesteak, some well-deserved rest, and a sumptuous breakfast, we loaded back onto the bus and wove our way through the intricate jungle gym of the UPenn Athletic Complex. Crossing railroads, bridges, and uncharted territory, the boys got a quick morning practice in with Sam “Bam” Groves and Tim “the Ranga” Whalen making the highlight reel with a full field banger and some deftly accurate post-strikes respectively.


After a pregame meal at Allegre Pizza on Penn campus – where we watched some Penn students really get after the “homecoming spirit” at around 4 p.m.  – we boarded the bus once more. All that could be heard over the soft guitar noodlings of the Bus speakers were Pepe and Edu engaging in what sounded like a ferocious reenactment of their favorite Telenovela (Spanish for Soap Opera), as we hummed our way to the Quakers’ field.

The whistle blew, and before the tempo or feel of the game had even been established, the Bears found themselves up 1-0. The goal came after some clever play from Gavey on the wing as he whipped in a ball to Belair, who then deftly laid it back to Big Ben Maurey. And, with the fiery passion that dwells deep inside the heart of the volatile striker, Big Ben sent an absolute rifle into the top left “cheddar” of the goal after just 4 minutes of play. This was the start the Bears had been hoping for.

However, this excitement quickly dissolved as the momentum shifted in favor of the Quakers. All of a sudden the Quaker forwards began running dangerously at our backline, causing chaos and revealing some sloppy defending at times as Schloss was forced to come up with a succession of vital saves for the Bears. In the center of the park we seemed stagnant at times, finding ourselves watching the clever Quaker footwork as they one-twoed around our cone-like tracking.

Finally we were able to possess as we took advantage of the space their 4-3-3 midfielders granted us with Tmac, Dyl and Gavey pushing strongly up on the wings, creating chances and corners. Ben used his “big boned” frame once more to body a defender off the ball and create a breakaway for himself, though his shot flew wide of the net. Moments later, Tmac produced one of the cheekiest attempts I have seen in awhile as he juggled two defenders and rifled a shot toward the top right corner of the goal (much like this Maicon display)


Though the first half saw our defense straying from their usual stalwart authority at times including a near nutmeg breakaway against McDuff, the central midfield strengthened with the support of Jameson and Jack “G” Gorab who breathed energy into the game, playing with confidence and composure at a vital time for the Bears. Connecting passes and setting up chances from our refortified midfield, Tmac and Belair both had several more attempts on frame, but the half closed with the Bears clinging to their early lead, needing another for security.

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But the coveted second goal was not to be found for either side. Though the Bears continued to dominate throughout the second half, creating chance after chance and returning to their wall-like defense...

...a goal would simply not come. Unlike the explosive offense and dubious defending of the first half, the second half brought with it a return to “chippy” tackles, fouls, and a refusal from both sides to grant the opposition any clean shots.

Though both keepers remained busy with the Quaker goalie coming up with several big blocks and Schloss remaining alert for his brief encounters with the ball – including a frighteningly close call in the 85th minute – the game ended as the first half had, with the Bears in front 1-0. A huge sigh of relief was breathed in unison by the Bear’s many supporters as the final whistle sounded. Once again Brown had not only come up with a hard-fought victory, but they had done it on the road, with yet another game winner from Big Ben, and had shutout a high-scoring Penn offense in the process.

The Bears now move to 4-0-1 atop the Ivy League and are ranked as one of the top ten teams in the country. Though their poise and consistency has been proven, the Bears will face a tough end of the season run, first against a hungry Yale squad, and then against their 2011 Ivy League Co-Champions, Dartmouth. The weeks ahead promise excitement as both the Ivy League Title and a berth in the NCAA tournament depend upon these next two results. A huge thank you to Mr. Whalen for all of the quality photos, and don’t forget to vote for Ryan McDuff for the Senior Class Award 

Cheers!

The Big Red with The Big Head

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It was a crisp, sunny, Saturday afternoon at Brown. Hordes of parents meandered behind their sons and daughters on campus, sampling the local fare on Thayer and admiring the vibrant leaves that adorned the Streets and greens of campus. But inside the Brown Bears locker room, the boys were focused only on the game that lay before them as they strapped on tape, and drowned out nerves and lingering thoughts with headphones blasting dub step, entering a place of concentration for the battle against the Big Red. 

By the numbers, it was one of the more daunting challenges the Bears had faced in recent years. Not only was Cornell the only remaining team in the country to have won every single game they had played up until this point, but they also boasted the nation’s point leader in forward Daniel Haber, and an average of nearly 3 goals per game. Both the Bears and the Big Red had been ranked as one of the top 20 teams in the country, and stood at 2^nd and 1^st place in the Ivy League respectively, so quite a bit more than usual was on the line.

The whistle sounded, and both teams took off. As expected, it was a physical battle right from the get go, as both teams pushed on with heavy pressure, defending well and disallowing any real offensive creativity. After a questionable foul call against the Bears just outside the Bear’s box, the Big Red got their first opportunity, as the infamous Haber stepped up and rifled the ball just wide of the far post. But then it was our turn, as Dylan gained possession on the left side of the pitch and sent a brilliant ball in to Belair at the corner of the 6’. Belair, with a difficult shot, struck the ball firmly, only to see his shot rebound off the keeper’s chest… to the monstrous foot of BIG BEN who hammered it home in the first five minutes of the game!

(The many celebratory stages of Ben)

The Hammer

The Velociraptor meets MJ?

Number One Bro!

Is There No One Else?!

The crowd went wild.

Cornell was stupefied, and tried to regroup, huddling with heads bowed in shame. But whatever they said or sang (a Kumbaya perhaps?), the Big Red managed to fight back, stringing together a series of passes and almost finding the back of the net a few minutes later after a header fell just wide of Schloss’ domain. Minutes later Big Ben almost chalked up his second of the night, sending a header just over the bar.

The game itself remained on an even keel, with both teams seeming content to hoof balls up top for an aerial battle instead of opting for a more eloquent competition of tactical possession. At the root of this lay a dilemma that seemed to plague both sides, namely how to hold on to the ball. Though Tmac and Dyl were occasionally able spin by defenders on the left, and Gavey had a few ‘almosts’ in combination with Bizzle, the ball was continually and infuriatingly turned over, as I myself got an arm workout from lurching the camera back and forth so many %$@!!* times.

But this didn’t deter the rambunctious Brown supporters who shrieked and chanted over and over, led on by their fearless, sign-baring conductor Dave “the Flash” Flaschen (“Let’s go Bruno…duh, duh, duduh duh duh). On defense – per usual - Brown remained resolute, with strong tackles from Markes, and Erob, and some hard work from the young Tariq in the center of the pitch. Towards the end of the half, Tmac “the Tornado” almost had a superb break for the Bears after spinning by his defender and pushing the ball up the left side of the field, ripping it just wide. 

Moments later Big Ben held the ball up for us inside the box, his hulking form shielding off the defender, and laid it off to Tariq, who ripped one again, just wide. And though Cornell didn’t have any real efforts - forced to resort to long shots ripped well over the goal – it was clear that Brown would need to pick it up if they hoped to go out and crush the dream of the Big Red.

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The boys returned from halftime with Coach’s question still ringing in their ears “Are we going to win this game or what?!” Needing to silence a relentless Big Red offense, needing to find the vital second goal. But things did not look promising for the Bears as the whistle for the start of the second period blew. Almost immediately, the Big Red began triangulating around the sleepy Bears, putting in a rocket of a shot on Schloss, that rebounded dangerously in the box, only to be cleared at the last moment by Erob.

Another shot comes just a minute after for Cornell, as the Big Red continued to knock on the Bear’s door while the Bears hit the snooze button on the their halftime wake up call. As on of the fans put it “We just need to possess the ball!” Finally the Bears awoke with some good combination play by Big Ben and Tmac, and a flick from Bobby off a dylan cross that skidded just wide of the post. Cornell, sensing the shift in momentum, took the opportunity to foul-the-crap out of the Bears, honing in on Tmac like Reál does on Messi 

Unfortunately this tactic, coupled with a sadistic referee (who accused Tmac of diving at every turn), seemed to work, as Brown returned to their first-half problems, pissing the ball away, and retaliating with silly fouls. Once again the long ball hoofing ensued accompanied by some chippy tackles – including an Erob off-the-ball challenge at the top of the box that was thankfully put wide.

 

Then, what appeared to be an act of divine intervention occurred. After Markes sent in an outside-of-the-foot cross towards the 6 yard box, the keeper, largely uncontested,  proceeded to punch the ball at the face of a Big Red defender, and it ricocheted into the back of the net, a crushing own goal for Cornell, but a sigh of relief for the nervous Bruno fans, who burst into raucous celebration! 2-0 to DA BEARS!  

Though the Big Red kept knocking, the game remained at 2-0, as Schloss and the back line secured yet another imperative shutout. As the two sides booted the ball back and forth in the final minute of the game, and the stands rumbled with the stomping and whistles of elated and relieved fans, the Bears emerged victorious with an important win under their belt. It wasn’t a pretty game, and the boys knew that, but with a 2-0 result against the number 10 team in the nation, it was hard not to smile.

Congrats to Big Ben Maurey for a phenomenal week including two game winning goals, and for his awards as both Ivy League Player of the Week and being placed on College Soccer News’ National Team of the Week!

Next up, a long trip to Pennsylvania, where the Bears will look to extend their league atop the Ivy table. Stay tuned…

The Battle of B.C. or How to Steal an Egg from an Eagle by Jack Kuntz

Have you ever been to the Ratty at 12:30 on a Tuesday? Well if you haven’t, it is packed, and 12:30 was the time of our pre-game meal before a big matchup against Boston College. So naturally, we had our own dining room in the back corner of the cafeteria, equipped with a piano, which Coach Biggs played Mozart on for the entirety of the meal. We then rushed to the locker room and headed onto the bus to get on our way towards Boston. Sam “Mac Miller” Groves provided the entertainment for the ride in the form of a “Remember the Titans” DVD that he received for his 12^th birthday. If you haven’t seen the film, it’s an inspirational one starring Denzel Washington in which he coaches an integrated high school football team to a glory-undefeated season. This effectively pumped the team up and we all walked off the bus ready to go….

            …Into a locker room that also doubled as a moving pod for some Boston College students (I think). Although it was tight quarters, we managed to all change into our game gear and Sam “Mac Miller” Groves was able to find a good spot on the wall for the outlines of our set pieces because EROB kept insisting that every other spot could be seen by the BC coaches. After all those shenanigans and some porta-potty trips, the warm ups began. At this point I could sense it was going to be a successful day for BMS. The warm up was focused and sharp, especially considering it being 3pm on a Tuesday (right in my usual nap slot). 

            When the game began, it was mostly back and forth. We got in behind their back line a few times, they got in behind ours, but nothing too dangerous on either side. We were getting good play through our midfield and especially through Tommy Mac on the left and Michel “Harry Potter” Comitis on the right. Sam “Bammers” Kernan-Schloss came up with a huge save towards the end of the half that really kept us believing we could go ahead and win the game. 

            Into the second half we go, with about 20 or so BMS players seeing the field (I think that may be a record) and Tommy Mac playing two identical diagonal balls onto the chest of “Big??” Ben Maurey. He put the first a bit too wide and about 20 minutes later buried the second identical chance. This time however, he did not take his shirt off. Eduardo “Consuela” Martin thought the entire game in the United States was golden goal and began to rush the field, only to be scolded by “Big Bad” Sam Groves. There was about 5 minutes left in the game at this point and we hung on for a big victory against a good ACC opponent. 

            After the game and showers, we traveled to alumni David Flaschen’s house for a post-game meal. With parents, players, and coaches all in attendance, it was a great meal and experience for everyone. The food was great, Mr. Flaschen’s art lessons were better, and we all boarded the bus back to Providence full and sleepy from a long trip to Boston. Hopefully this successful trip can help us move into the upcoming days with confidence and get a big win in front of the home fans at Stevenson against Cornell on Saturday. That’s it for now and hope to see many of you this weekend.

Jack “JJ the Pirate” Kuntz

Princeton and Harvard: Crimson and Tigers and Bears Oh My

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Testing the Tigers

The game began with the Tigers charging forward, keeping possession well, and forcing the Bears onto the back foot with a bit more of the energy underneath the lights of their own field, and the shrieks of their own fans. But the Bears responded well with Tmac leading Gavey and Dylan beautifully to the corners and into the box as Gavey blasted one searching ball just over the bar. Though the Bears backline was tested time and time again by Princeton's classic Ivy League long throw (haven taken a page from Rory Delap's book), no real chances came for either side until around the 18^th minute, when a Tiger forward poked the ball around Dylan and struck a shot just wide of the Bear’s net.

Stout and scrappy defense dominated the game as both sides made it clear that this would be as much of a physical testing ground as a tactical or technical one. In the 32^nd minute, after a Tiger winger fired a shot into Tmac’s leg, their striker pounced upon the rebound and rifled a low effort towards only to be denied brilliantly by the diving Schloss. It was a vital save, and one that seemed to shift the momentum for the rest of the half.

After Tmac pinned a Princeton defender in the corner, Big Ben galumphed his way over and with a clever heel flick, earned the Bears a corner. Though the first corner was cleared back over the line by the Princeton back line, the second corner – after being punched out by the Tiger keeper – was volleyed into the top cheddar of the net with authority from the young Timmy “the wailer” Whalen.  1-0 Brown!

The half wound to a close without much fanfare, as the Bears jogged off the pitch to the whistles and cheers of a small, but rowdy fan base.

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The second half kicked off with the Tigers finding their feet once more, keeping the ball well and forcing the Bears into a defensive stance. Several chances arose for the Tigers including a dangerous volley that was scooped up by Schloss in the 53^rd minute. Though the Bears continued to battle courageously on defense, it was clear that the tides had turned, as Princeton continued to test the Bears’ back line, and Brown’s offense seemed to dwindle.

And then the inevitable happened. In the 73rd minute a long throw was hucked into the Bears box, skimming off the head of a Princeton forward and falling to the paw of a Tiger who blasted the ball into the back of the net to draw the score level. The game was tied, and Princeton showed no signs of stopping, as just a minute later, they forced a strong save from Schloss after a speculative volley from just inside the corner of the 18’.

 

Throughout the remainder of the half the ball continued to find its way into the Bears box. Corners and crosses came for the Tigers as they peppered the net with 9 shots to the Bears 2. But even after the Bears seemed to rally in the dying seconds of the game, putting corner after corner into the chaos of the Tiger’s box, a goal was not to be found, and once again the Bears were forced into overtime.

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The physical battle carried on into O.T., with both teams – no doubt frustrated by the lack of offensive opportunities – throwing their tired legs into challenges creating chances only by hoofing the ball into the box from corners. Perhaps the only truly legitimate chance came for the Bears in the 2^nd period of OT, when Big Ben, muscling a defender off the ball, pounded in a shot that was punched away by the Tiger keeper. But the ball was not to find the back of the net, and the Bears left this Ivy battle with their first tie in the league, knowing that they would have to produce the following Saturday against their Boston rivals, Harvard.

Damming the Crimson Tide

Coming off an inspiring victory from my hand-selected, one-touch squad, the Blue – berries, the Bears returned to the Saturday night lights of Stevenson with high hopes at conquering a fickle Harvard side. Although the Crimson have slipped from their position as an Ivy League powerhouse over the past few years (ending the 2011 season without an Ivy league win) the eternal rivalry that lives within these two teams’ history always promises an intense match.

Right from the get go the Bears looked sharp and up for the challenge. There was a feeling of determination that seemed to permeate even the pregame warm up, as the boys took to the field with energy, cheered on by an exuberant crowd of BMS die-hards. In just the opening minutes of the game, the Bears surged forward, pinging the ball in possession, and creating two good chances from Akeel and Mcnamara that sailed over the bar.

One of the most interesting aspects of the game was the battle between the twin towers of both sides. Though the Crimson boasted a roster of two 6’6” players (one center back, one center mid), it was the Bears slightly less towering duo of Belair and Maurey who proved the time old saying “It’s not the size that counts, it’s how you use it.” While Ben outmuscled his center back rival, Belair out-jumped and simply out-worked his opponent, winning 90% of the aerial battles throughout the game.

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The Bears continued to create chance after chance, forcing the Crimson to defend a series of corners around the 20^th minute including a vital clearance of the line by a Harvard defender.  Indeed, almost the entire first half seemed to be played on Harvard’s side of the field (save for one or two harmless Harvard efforts), and still the Bears could not find the back of the net. A chance came in the 34^th minute for Brown after Bizzle was yanked down just outside the top of the box, but Dylan’s bending effort curled just high of the bar.

But Brown refused to be dissuaded and continued to knock at the Crimson’s door, until in the 39^th minute, after some swift-footed cuts from Dylan, V battled his way into space on the left side of the box and rifled a cross to the swan-diving figure of Belair who headed it home to make it 1-0 Good Guys. It was one of the most glamorous goals of the season, and fitting that it should come from the domineering head of Bobby “stanky-leg” Belair.

Minutes later Belair almost doubled his goal tally, when a poorly-cleared corner fell to him 12 yards out, but his left-footed strike was wrapped up by the Crimson keeper. This was immediately followed by an exciting counterattack from the Bears in the waning seconds of the half. After D.T. and Belair combined, B found V, who flicked a brilliant ball into the streaking path of D.T., and D.T. – appearing to be roughed up from behind – mishit the ball just wide of the Crimson goalmouth.

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As is often the case, this game revealed itself to be a tale of two halves, as the Crimson returned to the field revitalized and hungry. After a backward pass got stuck under the foot of McDuff, a Harvard striker punished him for this momentary lapse, poking the ball by the back line and slotting it into the back of the net after just a minute of play. It was a crushing blow for the Bears who had thoroughly dominated the first half, but an equally important reminder that Harvard would not go down without a fight.

Just seconds later, Harvard nearly pulled ahead two times, but fortunately for the Bears SKS dealt with the first effort sent across the mouth of the goal, and the second – an uncontested header from maybe 7 yards out – fell just wide of the post. Cries of “Wake up!” and “C’mon Brown!” rose up from the crowd of nervous Bear supporters only to fall upon deaf ears. It seemed only after the quintessential  “Let’s go Bruno” chant took the place of these pleas that the Bears truly fired into action.

First, Belair sent in a scintillating ball from the left flank that D.T. was unable to connect with from the corner of the 6’. Then, after a cross pin-balled its way through the box, V pounced upon it, ripping a strong shot from just around the penalty spot that was denied brilliantly by the leaping Crimson keeper. As the half went on chances emerged for both sides, with Erob clearing a ball of the goal line, and SKS coming up with what can only be described as some “ballsy” saves.

Inevitably the closer we got to full time, the chippier the match got. But Brown seemed to emerge as the offensive force for the end of the half. Gavey – after being denied a goal due to a questionable offside call – had perhaps the best effort of the second half, as Tmac fired in a brilliant cross to Gavey, who volleyed the ball fiercely at the hands of the Crimson keeper from just 8 yards out. But, in the same fashion as the previous two matches for the Bears, this game was going to overtime.

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Before the game Coach Laughlin articulated the importance of the 3^rd game in the Ivy League, saying, “It is a game in which every team is still fighting for something.” For Harvard this game might have been a chance at salvaging a gloomy looking 1-6-3 season. But for Brown, this game was about staking their claim as contenders for the Ivy League Trophy. So when Tim Whalen crossed the ball to Dylan, and when Dylan volleyed that ball into the low corner of the net, it was about much more than a win for the Bears, it was about proving the mettle of this team, about showing that when the time comes, we can rise to the challenge.

Shoutouts to Tim Whalen for earning his second Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors, and to Dylan for his selection to the College Soccer News’ National Team of the Week. Next up, another familiar Boston rival as the Bears travel to Boston College to avenge last year's defeat on Stevenson. Stay tuned.

The Return of the Stag

When the name “Fairfield” comes up in the athletic community at Brown University, most will remember the dying minutes of a playoff match from 2011, where, in front thousands of uneasy fans, the Bears produced an astounding 3 goals in 6 minutes for one of the greatest comebacks in BMS history.

But when the Stags arrived at Stevenson on a rainy Tuesday night to face the Bears once more, the mood was just a bit different. For one, the rain had driven away all but the die hards (shout out to the fearless, and umbrella-less Mcnamara clan). For another, both teams had just begun league play, and were still licking the wounds from their Saturday battles.

But despite the weather and the small fan-base, despite the faulty speaker system that couldn’t produce a National anthem, the game must go on.

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The ball was kicked off beneath sheets of rain as V wasted no time, putting both a ripper and a header on frame in the opening eight minutes of play as the two sides adjusted their play to fit the slick turf of Stevenson. The Stags – taking a note from Colombia’s book – contented themselves with shots from 25-40 yards out, all of which sailed harmlessly over the bar or were blocked decisively by Erob and Duff.

Meanwhile, the Bears began to string together some quality combos with D.T., Dylan and Tmac creating space. Two of these ended in extremely questionable non-PK-calls as Ben was crushed on a challenge in the box, and Tmac’s juggle over a defender at the corner of the 18’ appeared to brush the Stag’s fingers. But the ref – his vision no doubt clouded by the rain – gave neither.

As the half came to a close, the Bears took control in possession, with dynamic through the midfield, and several dangerous balls in from Gavey and Dylan on the flanks. Gavey himself took a pair of shots, forcing a fine save from the Stag keeper from a cross/shot and putting one just over the bar in the final minutes of the half.

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Perhaps it was the dry socks the boys strapped on at halftime, or perhaps the Stags decided to take a siesta, but whatever it was, the Bears came out firing on all cylinders. Dylan “best five wingers of all time” Remick started the fire with a free kick from outside the box that skid just past the foot of Markes. Then Gavey fired in a slew of crosses from the right, which was followed by Tmac putting in a stunning ball to a leaping Belair who flicked it just over. But the Bears couldn’t find the back of the net, due in part to the diving efforts of the New Zealand Olympic national team keeper, Michael O’Keeffe.

The tide turned briefly as Fairfield put Brown on the back foot, including a nerve-wracking effort from the Stags inside the 12’ that was cleared off the line in spectacular fashion by Robertson. The game “chippified”, with fouls coming from both sides, and cards being brandished by the overwhelmed referee, but what also became clear little by little, was that the Stags seemed content – if not aiming – for a draw.

The keeper alone must have spent 40+ seconds on every single goal kick, while Stevenson appeared to a be both a hunting ground (given the amount of falling Stag bodies) and a space of resurrection as players sprang miraculously back to life just moments later 

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Though chances came for both sides, all of them were met with important blocks from the back line, as the ball pin-balled across the rainy pitch. Even after a series of three corners for the Bears which included four shots on goal, four rebounds, and a smashing on-frame effort from Lochead that ricocheted just wide, the Bears could not break the 0-0 deadlock.

As the game wound to a close, the Bears continued to produce chance after chance (for those interested, check out the second half stats for the Bears…shocking)

In the 81^st minute, Belair found himself on a near break away, but sent the ball just wide. Moments later, Big Ben got stuck in and found D.T. in space, who also sent the ball just wide of the seemingly impenetrable goal mouth. But after a slew of corners and shots, and perhaps the best chance of the game, when Maurey’s shot rebounded to Gavey just outside the 6’ only to slip off his soaked foot, the game went on to O.T.

But the trend of fruitless strikes refused to desist as after 2 halves and 2 periods of O.T. the final score remained at goose-eggs. The time-wasting Stags had gotten what they wanted at Stevenson, and a frustrated Bears-side trudged off the field in a state of disbelief, having fired an incredible 20 shots to the Stags 3 during the 2^nd half and O.T. periods alone.

Next up, the Bears travel to the Princeton Tiger’s lair for their first Ivy League road match of the 2012 season. Stay tuned.

Colombia: The Ghost of Ivy Past

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“Throw out the Bears’ #21 ranking, throw out their 7-1 record, and throw out Colombia’s 2-5-1… the Ivy League starts now” announced color-commentator Mike Mancuso, staring out across a dew-laden Stevenson field before the open whistle sounded on Saturday night. This sentiment has been repeated year after year by coaches and veteran players alike, all having learned the inevitably turbulent battle that accompanies every Ivy League matchup, a battle often determined by one, vital goal. 

Tonight would be no exception.

Not only were the Bears about to open the most vital chapter of their season, but the painful overtime loss of last year to the Lions still lingered freshly in the minds of many-a-Bear, a loss that had challenged the Bears’ chances at an Ivy League title (though, for those of you who missed it, they did eventually scrap their way to glory). 

The whistle blew and the Bears attacked the Lions with energy and excitement, pinging the ball quickly with solid combinations sprouting up across the field. Per usual, the established back line remained stalwart as Schloss rose to the Lion’s one early challenge with a decisive punch out. Meanwhile, the left side was quickly exploited by the dynamic duo of Dyl and Tmac, while the center backs and mids looked to find the hulking frames of the twin tower strikers Belair and Big Ben in the air. 

Well the Bears pressed forward and began to produce chances – including a brilliant cross from Dylan flicked on by Gavey and put just wide by the boot of Ben – the Lions didn’t manage to put much together in terms of opportunities, content to pound the ball, goal-kick style, over the net.
Dylan and Gavey continued to push strongly up the wings, sending in scintillating crosses that just missed their mark, and Tmac had a go himself, shaking and baking inside the box and finishing with a chipper that sailed just over the bar. The half winded to a scoreless close after one final effort from Belair, and the Bears jogged off Stevenson unlucky not to have connected, but confidant that a goal would indeed come.

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“Who wants it more for the next 45-65 minutes? That’s who’s going to win this game” ended Coach Laughlin as the Bears returned to the field. Almost immediately Big Ben and Gavey sent a clear message with some decisively crushing challenges against the Lion defenders, that yes, Brown was ready for the fight. 

And then the shots came. Tmac began the barrage, weaving his way into the left corner and down the end line, firing a dangerous ball across the mouth of the goal and just wide. Then Gavey struck a laser just wide of the post, and moments later Big Ben found the ball at his feet near the penalty spot but his attempt was deflected wide by a diving defender. 

A succession of corners flew by, battles followed, and then, finally the Bears pulled ahead. A long ball was flicked brilliantly on by the rearing dome of Maurey to a sprinting Bizzle who got absolutely jackhammered by a Lion defender. Without a moment of hesitation from the ref a deserved PK was awarded, and in similar fashion TMac stepped up and slotted it into the low right corner to give the Bears a 1-0 lead. 

Just minutes later the coveted second goal came for the Bears as Tmac sent Dylan up the wing, Dylan sent in a fantastic cross, and D.T. – using the unique capabilities of his flexi-feet – found a way to flick the ball in with the outside of his foot. 2-0 Good Guys! Unfortunately, the game wasn’t quite over as the Lions made good of perhaps their only chance of the game and rifled in a low drive from the top of the box, just underneath the previously untested Schloss to make it 2-1. But the Bears seemed destined for glory as they pushed on, unperturbed by the Lions’ goal, and with one last near slotter from Tmac, which the goalie was able to brush just outside the post, the game came to a close.

Revenge was had, another game was won, and the Ivy Season began with a solid display from the Bears who improved to 8-1 with the win, and proved their mettle on Stevenson once more. 

Next up, another jaunt down memory lane as the Bears will face Fairfield and seek to repeat (hopefully with a little less anxiety) their victory over the Stags.

Huskies, Pilots, and the Wild Northwest

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Reminiscent of many a beloved frigid morn from the Spring, the Bears awoke at the crushingly early hour of 4:30 a.m. to clamor aboard the bus, and begin the long voyage out to the Wild Northwest. There they would face their toughest challenge yet: two distant road games, two talented, unknown oppositions, and all in the course of three days. After some quality time in the airport (Men In Black 4) the boys arrived on foreign soil, chucked their stuff into the Seattle hotel and made the traffic-filled trek in “minibuses” to the den of the Huskies.

Shaking the stiffness from their legs, the boys simultaneously invented and participated in the first ever Washington Olympics including such events as “thread-the-tire”, “ping-the-crossbar”, and the classic: “catch-as-many-punted-balls-as-you-can.” The competition was fierce and records were set as Jason “hot-hands” Burnett – after smashing the record for most balls caught last year – set a new record for least balls caught (0), and Sam “Mac Miller” Groves earned gold in the crossbar challenge, trumping Comitis’ hit with an unprecedented double crossbar bounce.

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The boys awoke the next morning, rested and ready to face the Husky hosts. Returning to the field, this time with more than Washington Olympic glory on their minds, the Bears eagerly warmed up for battle as the sun set, fans flocked in, and the lights flickered on across Husky stadium.

The whistle blew and the game took off as both teams began with energy. Perhaps it was the long ride in, or a case of shaking the nerves off on foreign soil for the Bears, but for the first quarter of the game the Huskies seemed at ease on the field, keeping possession and knocking at the door on several occasions including a few dangerous crosses from the flanks where they were able to show their speed and test the Brown backline.

Then it happened. After a Whalen shoulder check, the Huskies did what they do best and took advantage of a set piece (a theme that would continue throughout the game for Washington), heading the free kick on past the outstretched fingers of Schloss and making 1-0 after just 8 minutes of play. More of these opportunities arose as the Huskies pressed forward, forcing several scrums in the box, and some courageous charges from Sam. Though the Bears began to find their feet and keep possession, things remained relatively quiet on the offensive front save for one or two creative efforts from “the maestro” Tmac.

Meanwhile, the Huskies made use of their not-so-secret-weapon “the flip throw” (a tactic the Bears had lost many years ago with the departure of Howie the Hucker), whipping the ball dangerously into the 6’ from anywhere beyond the halfway mark, and forcing Schloss into some sticky situations. This would prove a constant threat for the Bears, as in the 28^th minute, having countered against Brown and striking the woodwork with a bending volley, the Huskies set up once more for a flip throw. As expected, a dangerous ball was whipped in, but this time it was also headed firmly into the back of the net…by Erob? It was an unlucky and painful blow for the Bears who found themselves struggling to find positives 2-0 down after just 30 minutes of play in a stadium of elated Husky fans.

The Huskies continued with this offensive pressure, riddling crosses and flip throws across the Bears’ box, and forcing the backline and Schloss to come up with some vital stops. But finally the Bears - bringing in some fresh legs off the bench - managed to pick up the tempo and forced Washington onto the back foot, opening up the game with a slew of corners, and letting Washington know the game was far from over as the half came to an end.

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“The first 10 minutes of the second half we came out flying” Erob told me after the game. “Unphased by the score or how the first half went, the first goal came in about 8 minutes and proved to everyone on the field we could outplay those guys and win the game.” Whether it was the fiery halftime speech from Coach Laughlin, or simply the BMS mentality of determination that shone through, something changed in that second half. It wasn’t drastic, but could be found in the little things: a tough track back from Big Ben, a strong challenge from Markes, a commitment from each player to raise his level of intensity and desire just a bit, and that extra bit made all the difference.

Finally it came together. Starting with the ball at his feet in our box, Markes pushed up the right flank with confidence, slotting a leading ball to V, who battled with a Husky defender and found TMac just outside the Husky box. What happened next can only be described as a Barca moment, as Tom “return of the Mack” Mcnamara chipped a brilliant leading ball to V, who – like his distant Chilean relative Alexis Sanchez – lifted it confidently over the sliding Keeper to make it 2-1. The Bears were hungry again.

Then things really began to open up with Dylan dominating the left side of the field, Gavey taking on defenders and sending in cross after cross from the right, as the ball remained on the Husky’s half this time around. Another goal seemed imminent for the Bears at around the 60^th minute when Gorab put in a dangerous looking shot, and Gavey nearly tapped it away, but this chance was followed by a dry spell for both teams. But chances kept coming, and eventually Brown found glory once more, as Big Ben bobbed and weaved two defenders at the left corner of the Husky box and lazered a cross onto the forehead of the streaking Gavey, who pounded it home, celebrating with his infamous “Ratchet" dance, while Maurey opted for a series of Hulk-like yells. 2-2.

Pressure mounted as shots came for both sides as well as an array of tackles, best described as “chippy”, and a couple of deserved yellows. Still the question lingered, who would break the deadlock? The answer: the Huskies. In the 78^th minute, after a succession of quality passes, Washington exposed a hole in our backline, as their right winger slotted in a neat ball across the mouth of the goal which was flicked in cheekily to make it 3-2. Though the Huskies celebrated as if the game had been won, piling on top of each other to the raucous applause of their friends and families, the Bears were unperturbed, and took this moment of excessive celebration to regroup. The depth of this mental toughness was revealed in just under two minutes, as Daniel Taylor pounced upon the rebound of an Escalona shot and tied the game up 3-3 to the relief of Bear fans everywhere. After a few more flip throw-scrum-Schloss save combos, the whistle for regulation was blown and the two teams jogged off to prepare for the “golden goal” overtime that would soon follow.

“Huskies Drop Heartbreaker” was the headline that echoed across Washington’s campus the next morning, and who better to bring this about then the Brawniest, the Baddest, the Biggest, BEN MAUREY. Once again, the brilliant vision of Mcnamara paid off as he lofted a ball just over a leaping Husky defender to find the colossal pate of Maurey who hammered the ball home and, shedding his jersey in true hulk form, sprinted to the sideline to be swarmed by players and coaches alike (including a severe recommendation to re-shirt himself from Coach Biggs, so as not to receive another red card). It was a night to remember. A reminder of the unity and belief that rests as the backbone of this team, and an example of what Brown Men’s Soccer is capable of with our back against the wall. These are the games that define seasons. In the words of the young Tariq “I cannot think of a better feeling I have had on a soccer field with any team, ever.”

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Once again it was time for the Bears to finish a tournament during the ever-challenging slot of a late Sunday afternoon. After a day of rest that the boys spent relaxing, eating, and visiting beloved BMS alum Dave Chichester on Bainbridge Island, the Bears returned once again to the Husky stadium to face the Portland Pilots.

As the whistle sounded to start the game, it was the Bears this time around who exuded confidence, pinging the ball around with ease, getting through some strong tackles, and denying the Pilots (who seemed to be in Auto-pilot mode) any real chances. After just 13 minutes of play, the Bears found the back of the net, as Gavey fired a brilliant corner to the head of Robertson who connected solidly, punching the ball into the lower right side of the net, in an act of total redemption

Though the Bears continued to play with energy, Portland began to wake up, and made it clear that they were ready for a battle as they began picking up their energy and creating some dangerous chances, along with some nasty looking tackles to boot. Undaunted, the Bears fought on, cheered on by a surprisingly large contingent of friends and family. The game itself, while certainly not boring, proved relatively uneventful compared to the nail biter from Friday. Though Portland did manage a shot or two, the Bears seemed to fall into a comfortable rhythm that would persist throughout the half, and truly, the rest of the match. 

After a quick halftime speech, the boys took the field once more, forcing the Pilots into defensive mode as Tariq ripped a speculative effort from just outside the box that ricocheted off the top of the crossbar. A minute later, Tariq sent a pass in to Tmac at the left corner of the 18, who took on a frightened Pilot with a quick step over – shot combo that rippled the back of the net. 2-0 good guys!
After succeeding in getting the highly coveted 2^nd goal, the Bears settled comfortably in the opposing half, with good movement off the ball, and a level of offensive prowess unseen before this weekend. TMac (who would later be crowned offensive MVP of the tourney) was a constant threat, taking defenders on with confidence, and forcing a spectacular save from the Pilot keeper in the 57^th minute. 

There were moments of complacency in the second half as the Bears were forced into some tight binds in the back, but the feeling that the Pilots would stage a come back was absent.
Then in the 65^th minute, Bobby “dangles” Belair fired home the death blow. The goal was the product of a surging run from Escalona, who, to the surprise of nearly everyone on and off the field, faked a classic “V volley”, choosing instead to find the feet of Belair, who swiveled past his defender, and sent home the final goal of the game to make it 3-0 Brown.

I could go on with details about solid play from every one of the Bears (including the debut of Mitch on the pitch), but instead I will cut to the chase and say that the Bear’s left Seattle all smiles. With two important wins in their pocket and a newfound offense that produced 7 goals in only 2 games (more than doubling their tally up to that point), BMS seemed to open the season’s narrative to a new chapter, proving that we CAN combine our typical stalwart defense with a plethora of goals to boot.

And now, some words of Wisdom from Captain Erob:

     This weekend revealed a great improvement in many players individually and as a squad. We proved to ourselves that were a fighting team, that no matter what the score, we're always in it. This will help us mentally in a big way as we enter Ivy play where the games are usually pretty tight. We found ourselves to be a team that can really move the ball and get goals from both the run of play and from restarts. This trip got us that much closer to discovering our identity.


Next up Colombia at home on Saturday night to begin Ivy competition! (Get ready for Gavey's newest celebratorydance)