Senior Day.. The Bomb Squad

Bomb squad senior night. Never thought I’d really have to utter those words. Having always been in that line cheering on my upperclassmen, it would be our turn to get the chance in the limelight, with flowers, surrounded by family and friends to celebrate our last game on legendary Stevenson field.

 But before getting to that moment we had to battle through an intense week of practice. Coming off a tough 1-1 tie with Penn, legs were still tired and minds foggy when the 6am bell rang for practice Tuesday morning. As I was walking up with the Egyptian prince Tariq Akeel he asked the chances we run today. I looked at him and said of course I don’t want to run but it wouldn’t be a BMS Tuesday if we didn’t. 

Low and behold after warmup and chippy 5v5 keep away we were on the line for a 20 minute pride run. After which we played a full 11 aside match with first team all- fitness member CROD still having the energy to make full field right mid field streaks after vocally challenging Tariq and speedy, bowlegged dtdanieltaylor to catch him during the fitness. With somewhat heavy legs during the week, we battled through 3 more intense practices that included a lot of tough but enjoyable short sided transition games (5-4 then 4-3 type style).

Fast forward to game time. Standing on the side of the field with my mom and pop who’d flown 300 miles on a red to see my last game on Stevenson was surreal. It was one of those rare moments where you are really forced to stop and take everything you’ve done into context. Two NCAA tournament appearances, and ivy league ring, the battle with penn in the tundra in 2011, multiple sub-freezing wall runs, and enough yelling of ‘LETS GO BOYS’ to damage the vocal chords of Taylor Swift (Shout out to Dylan Remick). After an emotional moment it was time to switch to game-mode. 

We came out strong stringing passes, taking shots and chipping long balls when needed in true BMS fashion. Sometimes we were a little too casual but either way the game was in a deadlock 0-0 at halftime. The tying goal would be one of the more ridiculous of the year. After a long pass by Gorab was sent to their goalie, will decided to give chase and pressure. The goalie who hesitated between bombing it and cutting the ball shanked it right to Mr. Maurey who hit a first time shot towards the goal. Ben will argue it was dipping in but either way the “quickly rising” (to say it nicely) shot was deflected by the bumbling keeper perfectly over a retreating defender and into the net. 1-0 Brown. After a quick selfie on the sideline and 15 more minutes of play we had officially won our last game on Stevenson, with a 1-0 shutout.  How appropriate.

Thank you to all who have supported us at home this year and in the past. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Sincerely,

Markes 

Taking it to the Quakers..

The forecast looked gloomy as we all sat in the high-rise hotel, looking down on the city of Philadelphia. We were waiting to go and eat our exotic, authentic Italian meal prepared by Olive Garden.  Penn was going to be a good team, but we were prepared. We had taken care of our bodies and been scraped hard by Manny. We had taken ice baths and not contracted MRSA. We had conquered the pride runs.  And we had read the scouts, which helped.

Our warm up was sharp and intense; the ball was going to skip on the slick surface and it was an ideal night for two-footed tackles.  As the starting whistle blew, the Bears looked to knock the oatmeal right out of the Quakers.  We were immediatley put under pressure; against the wind, and under constant threat from Duke LaCroix, a premier physical specimen and superb athlete, and their CAM, Clancy, who was sporting a small pony tail (likely taken from an actual pony).

We were down 1-0 after a very questionable penalty decision by a referee that appeared to have at least one glass eye.  LaCroix slotted home about midway through the first half.  Freshman and notably talented piccolo musician Gabe Welp went down hard after narrowly heading over a corner kick. He appeared to have completely lost his arm, but it turned out that he suffered a minor injury.  

 We had the confidence we needed to take the game to Penn, and we did just that by forcing them back into their end and snatching a goal off a corner.  Jack Gorab put in a great ball which was attacked seductively by the dashing Will Cross to level the score.  

After a stirring halftime speech by Coach Laughlin, we came out on fire and ready to take the game to them, this time with the wind. We had countless opportunities to win the game in regulation but in the end we were unable to finish.  The final whistle blew and then came overtime.  

These overtime periods, unlike the ones we had earlier in the season, were filled with opportunities.  Tariq Akelle (Aqueel, Akle?), Will Cross, Nico Lozada and Eric Sugarman all came close to sealing the W for the Bears, but the game ended in a draw. Penn, distraught with being knocked out of contention for the championship, had a group crying session on the field after the whistle.  We were pleased to get a point on the road, and maybe a little disappointed to not get anything more.  Yale looks to be a challenging team, so let's see what comes next.  

Yours truly, 

James "Rodriguez" My-all

Revenge for the Bears...

Before the season commences, we always meet as a team to review our schedule. During this meeting, the high intensity contests: University of South Florida, Florida Gulf Coast, and the Ivy league opponents are all highly anticipated. This year, however, we identified a different type of contest that posed the most unassuming challenge to our season. These games are defined as matchups against talented, non-conference opponents towards the end of the season, a time when the Ivy League season takes precedence. 

Last year, we had mixed results in these games, wins against Boston College and Boston University, but a disappointing loss at the University of New Hampshire. On Tuesday evening, we were determined to not allow our level drop as we strived for another positive result against a regional rival and a team who had beaten us last year. The guys came out for warm-ups with vigor on Tuesday night, knowing we would be reliant on our own energy on this chilly Tuesday night against The University of New Hampshire.

We came out with a strong starting eleven. Many of the traditional starters once again began the game, but an opportunity to start was given to Sophomore Jason Pesek (also my suitemate).

The game began with a lot of confident attacking soccer. We showed a lot of positive movement from the midfield as crisp passes were connected all over the field. Eduardo Martin represented a strong holding presence in the middle of the park while Pesek and right back, Alex Markes, consistently completed passes into wingers and forwards. Mid-way through the first half, our high percentage of possession was rewarded with a big chance. Quinn English produced another spectacular long throw, ultimately headed in by Louis Zingas, but the goal was denied due to a questionable foul call. The first half ended with a continuance of possession domination, but we could not find the back of the net. The first half ended 0-0.

The second half began in a similar fashion to how the first half ended. We continued to control ball possession, but chances were few due to a well-organized New Hampshire defense. Despite numerous substitutions, it was difficult to find a goal throughout the whole half. The end of regulation finished with the score still at 0-0.

Extra-time has begun to feel almost customary to us at this point, with six extra-time appearances already in the 2014 season. This time, though, things felt different. There was a feeling on the sidelines, an understanding that this time the ball would roll our way. Overtime began with a great run by Jack Gorab that resulted in a top save from the New Hampshire Goalkeeper and a clearance for a throw-in. Quinn English once again summoned up his long-throw and Will Cross rose early to meet the ball with his head and guide it into the top corner. Less than a minute into overtime, and the game was over. Brown 1, New Hampshire 0.

Spirits in the locker room were high after the win, we look forward to the upcoming trip to Philadelphia.

 C-ROD

Big Red

After a long battle against Harvard, the guys knew that Cornell was a must win. It was a week of classic Providence weather. Every practice was dark, rainy and windy. That didn't stop us from keeping the level high. I felt like it almost made us push each other harder.

Saturday was here soon enough, and with game day came warm weather. We were knew what was at stake. We got to the locker room and in each locker there was a piece of paper, with a message for each player. It got everyone in the right mindset. I later found out another teammate took it upon himself to put the messages in the lockers. It was inspirational, and just shows just how much we care about our success. 

In the first half, for the most part, we played our game. Jack Gorab and Ben Maurey's double "give and go" was, in my opinion, one of the best plays of the year nearly resulted in a goal. We created 3 great opportunities, including one that was called back by the referee for being an "indirect kick that went in." First time I've ever seen that happen.  With 13 or so minutes left to play cornel put one in from the top of the box. We were disappointed but we were ready to keep fighting.

And so we did. The second half was an absolute battle. We countered them, they countered us. As time ticked away, we pushed our wingers forward. Loui Zingas made a great back post run back post of Quinn's long throw. Unfortunately it was called back due to a foul.  

It is in the final moments of a game, when you really see a team's character. I was proud that at no moment did we give up and stop fighting. Unfortunately, it was not our day. In proper BMS fashion, we kept our heads high, thanked the fans, and went back to the drawing board, to prepare for our next fight. 

DT

Crimson Comes to Town

Brown vs. Harvard. The stage couldn’t be any bigger on Saturday afternoon as we took on the Crimson at Stevenson Field. Harvard made the trip to Providence with high confidence, for they had an 8-game winning streak. The atmosphere at Stevenson Field before kick-off was fantastic. As a result of creative advertising the days before, fans packed the stadium. The team was pumped before the game; many high-fives were given and the phrase “Lets go, boys!” was used a lot.

The game kicked off and the intensity on the field was high. Both teams were filled with excitement to play the beautiful game. Harvard had the better of the play for large parts of the first half, and scored a goal off a cross about 15 minutes into the game.  Tim Schmoll, who is said to resemble a young Peter Crouch, scored the goal. With little chance to score by either side for the rest of the half, both teams went into the locker room. Brown 0, Harvard 1.

Two inspiring half-time speeches were given by Coach Laughlin and Coach Burnett, so the spirits of the team as we walked back onto the field were at an all time high. We came out on fire to start the second half, and were rewarded with an early goal. Jack Gorab sent in a corner kick, and Ben Maurey used his physical strength and athleticism to score one of the greatest no-look back heel goals I have ever witnessed. It was a goal of the season candidate. We continued to play well for large parts of the second half, and were unlucky to take the lead. The 90 minutes finished at 1-1, and overtime was coming.

The two 10-minute overtimes were very intense, and both teams had chances to win the game. However, neither team could find the back of the net, and the game ended in a draw.

We now look forward to another home game against Cornell. We know we must win to keep our hope of the Ivy League Championship alive. “Lets go, boys!”

Welp

VS Boston College

After a tough outing at Princeton, the team prepared both physically and mentally for the Tuesday test at Boston College. We relish every chance to prove we can compete with the best and an ACC opponent in nothing short of just that. We realized we had another chance to improve as a unit and went into the game with a focused mindset, ready for anything BC threw at us.

The day started with a pregame meal at the Ratty, then a short trip on the bus to Boston. The bus ride was quiet, as everyone on the team readied themselves for a fight like Ali before Frazier. Because Boston College’s field is being renovated, the game was set to be played at a neutral site, namely Babson College. As the bus rolled into Babson, the boys were ready to go.

On a warm, sunny afternoon with a slight breeze, there could not have been better conditions for an afternoon of hard-fought soccer. There wasn’t much of a crowd, other than the loyal traveling contingent of parents who chirp louder than a jaybird on a summer day. It was clear the energy was going to have to come from within. The first half begun with fast-paced countering and strong defending with Brown having a small upper hand. The back line had played a huge amount of minutes in a short time, but looked as resilient as ever. With impressive tackles flying from Tim Whalen and Alex Markes, the team hoped to finish that ever-elusive first half goal. Though we had chances, we did not put any into the back of the net. The half ended in a 0-0 tie, but Brown looked the more likely side with a few lovely pieces of work and a team hungry for a victory.

The second half whistle sounded and the teams were back at it. With strong performances from numerous players, the team looked more and more likely to score. Louis Zingas was absolutely flying down the flank, trying to find that magisterial touch necessary to score his first college goal. And that he did. In the 81^st minute, a header from Quinn English found Zingas’ feet and he notched the ball in the back of the net for a 1-0 Brown lead. Unfortunately, 41 seconds later BC found a hole in the defense to equalize, drawing the game to a 1-1 tie. The team fought for the next 28 minutes, through overtime, to secure the tie. In the end, it was a good result on the road against a top opponent.

The game as a whole was a definitive positive note for Brown Men’s Soccer. With 19 players making an appearance, it was clear that the result was that of the team’s. A few brilliant saves from keeper Mitch Kupstas made him look like a young Tim Howard, and kept us in it, while continual pressure allowed us to score the goal. Once again, Brown Men’s Soccer was engaged in a fight, and once again we rose to the task. We are back in action this Saturday with a home game against Harvard at 7 pm. Please tune in to watch online, or come to the game. All support is appreciated, and we plan to get a big win on Stevenson.

- Josh Butler

On the Road in the Ivy

Coming off of a warranted victory in our Ivy-League opener against Columbia, with no mid-week game scheduled, all eyes were on Princeton for BMS. The significance of every Ivy League game goes without saying. The practices leading up to the game were intense and required 100 percent focus by players and coaches alike. Winning on the road in the Ivy League requires an entire game of focus and composure so practices often try and emulate these situations. 

After another good training session on Friday afternoon, we departed for New Jersey. The bus ride was long, just over five hours, but was consumed by dinner on the go provided by Hope Street Pizza, I Am Legend starring Will Smith, and sophomore Jason Pesek’s strongly opinionated statements, regarding tech giants Apple and Samsung. Outbursts and arguments from everyone listening provided plenty of entertainment throughout the ride. Debate on which company produces better products lasted throughout the trip. 

We finally arrived to our hotel around 11:30pm, and shortly after discovered a Bruno invasion of the Princeton hotel, being that Brown women’s soccer and volleyball were both staying the night there as well. The next morning we all woke up ready to play. After fueling up at Oliver Garden for our pre-game lunch, it was game time. Everyone had the proper mentality. We knew the dreary Princeton weather wasn’t going away, so rain would be a factor as well. 

At the start of the first half, we came out flying. Movement up top was good, and neither composure nor focus was lacking for us. Eleven minutes into the game senior captain Ben Maurey found himself down deep in Princeton territory and fired the ball across the eighteen-yard box. Senior captain Daniel Taylor brilliantly dummied the ball at the top of the box to a wide open Jack Gorab who shot low and hard on the slippery surface, deflecting off of a Princeton player, into the back of the net for an early 1-0 lead for us. After a slight plateau of intensity, we ended up making it to halftime still ahead of the Tigers 1-0. 

The whistle blew to begin the second half, and right from the start we could tell that this game was far from over. Princeton was not going to roll over and hand us a victory. They were pressing to get an equalizer. With twenty minutes left in the contest, Princeton served a ball into the box and drew a controversial penalty kick that could have been called either way. They netted the penalty and the game was back to even with just under twenty minutes left. At this point, momentum had swung in favor of the Tigers. Fifteen minutes later Princeton would strike again which proved to be the difference in the game. 

A final push from us fell short and we were edged 2-1 in a typical Ivy-League battle. Overall, it was a great game against a worthy opponent that took every ounce of effort from individuals on both teams. We learned a valuable lesson of staying dialed into a game for the full 90 minutes in every game, especially Ivy-League match ups. Although the minor set back, we will be ready to bounce back with the same intensity and determination in every game starting with Boston College this Tuesday. We are very enthusiastic and confident about playing a worthy non-conference opponent that will challenge us and give us another opportunity to get better.

All for now, 

LZ.