After a tough loss to the Bulls of
South Florida on a relatively mild Florida night, we were ready to put that in
the rear view mirror and get a result out of the second leg of our trip. Friday
morning, we promptly boarded the white travel vans from Tampa en route to Fort
Myers. Fueled with Chipotle and “special water” from the hotel, we arrived at
the swamp they call Florida Gulf Coast University. We knew it was going to be a
hostile environment when we were not given a locker room to change in and also
could not step on the game field with our cleats. But, in BMS style, we took it
in stride and made it a goal to finish the road trip on a positive note.
After an upbeat and entertaining
pregame practice, we were treated to a real Southern tailgate filled with
Jumabalaya (not sure how to spell that) and Poe Boys??. Much thanks to the
Kupstas’ and their LSU loving friends for providing us with the most delicious
pregame meal in history. After many rounds of tailgate games (CORNHOLE!), we
got some rest and prepared for Saturday night’s showdown.
The game against Florida Gulf Coast
proved to be a defensive test, with their style of play and skillful players
being among the best in the nation. After a relatively back and forth first
half, the foreign and brutal environment took a toll. Due to a combination of
tired legs and 90 plus % humidity, we used tons of guys off the bench and
“defended the Alamo” to get a 0-0 tie after 110 minutes. While it doesn’t
represent one on the score sheet, it felt like a win of sorts for the team. We
were thrust into a very difficult environment and playing some of the most
technical teams in the country and we fared well.
The out-of-region trip each year
proves to be priceless in terms of growing as a team and developing before the
Ivy League kicks in. This year proved to be no different, as our games in
Florida will no doubt help us to get some wins later in the season.
Until next time,
23
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