“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.
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