FGCU

FGCU was a game the team felt like we needed to win. Coming off losses to Georgia State and Clemson, this game determined whether we would slip down to .500 after starting the season on a tear (3 straight wins).  The team was amped because it also happened to be our first, night home game, and a large crowd was expected.  Needless to say, it was a pretty important game and there definitely was some pressure.

Having traveled down to play FGCU last year in the dead heat and humidity of a Florida summer, I was quite glad to have seasonal Providence temperatures. Coach Laughlin was also happy, as he had to throw away his button down last year due to his profuse sweating and the subsequent sweat stains caused by last year’s overtime showdown. Perhaps what I remembered most about last year’s FGCU game was the fact that their first four players were from Guatemala City, Guatemala. Like last year this FGCU team was also chalk full of Spanish speakers, which provided a nice international flair and opportunity to practice my limited Spanish, “Vamos Brown!”

The team started somewhat flat, but thankfully the score remained tied at 0-0 at the end of the half.  On the contrary, FGCU came out hot and their speedy midfielder’s gave us some trouble from the get-go. Credit goes to the defense first half as Erik Hanson made a few great saves, and the back line played well to keep the shutout. We had a few decent opportunities, but all things considered we were pretty glad to have a blank slate going into the 2^nd half. 

Second half started off with a bang for FGCU. They employed an early cross to a slashing midfielder who headed the ball in to give them a 1-0 lead. This gave us a much-needed wake-up call and after that more chances started to pour in for us. In the 82^nd minute Tariq Akeel was fouled in the box off a throw in. He preceded to net the pk, but the score remained tied for only a couple precarious minutes after which an FGCU scored the deciding goal from the top of the 18. The guy who scored must have had some Irish blood because the ball, hit with his shin, quite miraculously careened off Gabe Welp’s own shin and into the top right corner. They proceeded to shush our raucous fans, and do all the nonsense that opposing fans hate.

The last 4 minutes were one’s of complete desperation that culminated in a quite bizarre ending. With 8 seconds left, a cross into the box appeared to be netted by Tariq after a mad scramble in the box. However, the ref blew his whistle and called a foul on striker Will Cross for knocking over the goalkeeper. Fans and Brown players alike were in uproar and confusion as the elation of tying the game was met by despair and anguish. The tiniest violin played for Brown players as they dejectedly walked off the field to the background sounds of protesting fans.

All in all, the game was pretty disappointing. We lost in front of a large home crowd and fell back to .500 on the season. However, humble pie, although bitter to taste, can be the best thing for an aspiring team. Our play since has markedly improved and set the tone for what has been and should continue to be a successful and thrilling Ivy League season.