The End of the Road...

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Though the very thoughts of the Bears were drowned out by the roar of the #2 Terrapin supporters as they stepped out onto the frigid pitch, the boys played without fear. Hungry, sharp, vicious, they attacked with confidence, outworking and outplaying a team that had stood atop the National standings for the duration of the season. Making these Terrapins duck back inside their shells. This was a Bear squad that deserved to be here.

We possessed and combined with patience, our defense standing strong, allowing the offense time to create and surge forward. Hard fought tackles, inventive passes, and some inspired movement kept us knocking on Maryland’s door, until, in only the 17^th minute of the game, a beautiful corner from Dylan connected with Bizzle’s noggin to put us up a deserving 1-0. It was the first time in 11 games that the Terrapins had trailed.

Throughout the first half, the Bears energy and aggression persisted, but Maryland began rising to the challenge. The game became an offensive battle with Big Ben sending a breakaway just wide, and Schloss and “the Wall” standing strong. But in the last minute of the half the Terrapins drew level, sending an absolute firecracker from 30 yards out passed the outstretched mitts of Schloss to make it 1-1.

The half ended on a bitter note, a note that would unfortunately be echoed once more at the end of the game.

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I will not belabor you all with detailed descriptions of the second half. The brilliant efforts of Bizzle and Big Ben, the dancing dangles of Tmac, the courageous goal line saves of Erob and Schloss, these are moments that you’ve no doubt heard and seen before, that are perhaps customary to us now after a truly remarkable season for BMS. I won’t paint a heartbreaking picture of Maryland’s winning goal in the final minute of the game, a tear-streaked face for sympathy, or a classic “you win some you lose some” quote.

But I will say that the boys played their F-ing hearts out.

I will say we showed one of the best teams in the country we could play the Beautiful Game.

I will say that, despite the heartbreak, I was proud.

To the Players: A huge congratulations for yet another incredible season and a huge thank you for letting me be a part of it and relive the glory days in our 1 touch games

To the Coaches: It was a great privilege to peek behind the curtain this year and recognize the time, effort and dedication you put in day in and day out.

And To Parents and Readers: Thank you all so much for listening to me blather on this season, and write about something that – still – matters so much to me.

Thank you all and Happy Holidays,

Evan