Huskies Overwhelmed

The rivalry between Brown and UConn dates back a long, long way. And despite a gap over the past few years, it's a match that stirs strong feelings in the Brown soccer community. 2000 was the last time these two storied programs matched-up, with the huskies prevailing 2-1 in an ill-tempered affair - UConn went on to the national championship that year....

UConn 1-1 Brown. (5-4 Good Guys on PK's)

As expected, a big crowd was on hand as we took to the field in Storrs. Our boys were in confident mood and feeling the inspiration of tons of great messages from alums and supporters who took the time out to write messages from encounters-passed.

This was a strong and talented UConn squad, well rested and ready for the battle ahead. But could they account for the battling qualities of these Brown Bears.....?

The build up to the game took a bizarre twist when the entire complex experienced a power outage, rendering the locker room lights, scoreboard and PA system useless. We put it down to a conspiracy theory.... To UConn's credit they managed to rustle up a portable generator to power a temporary scoreboard, and the game was only delayed by about five minutes.

Within ten minutes of kick-off it wasn't looking too good for the Huskies. Man-of-the-moment Tayls picked up the ball about 25 yards out and unleashed a powerful low drive into the far corner of the goal. 1-0!

80 minutes of soccer still to play against one of the most talented teams in the nation..... no worries.... :)

If ever we needed some inspiration and energy it was forthcoming from the Bleachers in Storrs. A good-size and loud crowd had made the journey in support of our boys, and certainly made their presence felt.... Even some of the GHM security staff from our home games had made the trip....

As the first-half wore on the home team started to impose themselves on the game, while the home coaching staff took the definition of whining to a whole new level. Apparently they have a divine right to refereeing generosity in Storrs...

The second period was a serious test of mental and physical toughness for our boys as attacking play became secondary to survival. On the few occasions that we did get forward we looked dangerous. But it was the home team in the ascendency as our legs started to suffer the effects of the short rest. It's easy to see why the seeded teams have such a huge advantage in the second round of the tournament. The officiating became more and more one-sided as the game wore on - it almost seemed like the man in the middle was looking for an excuse to give the huskies calls.....

With just three minutes remaining in regulation the unthinkable happened.... They won a debatable free-kick on the edge of our box, and after blocking the initial effort the ball popped up in the air and was duly dispatched past a helpless Robot. Poop! 1-1. And we were so close....

Survival and toughness was the name of the game in extra-time, and once again we showed plenty of it... penalties next!

The players were selected for the kicks, and after some heart-wrenching moments Jay buried the winner in the back of the UConn goal and we were victorious.... YES!

This match will live in the memory of those who witnessed it for a very, very long time...

BC Down

Brown 2-1 Boston College (NCAA First Round)

This was a matchup that captured the imagination. The Eagles coming into town for the first time in a few years, with a group of Brown Bears lying in wait, intent on continuing a run of success against this local ACC opponent with a point to prove. Without getting into the "why's and wherefores", it was a 1-0 victory in Chestnut Hill during the 2008 season that had seemingly prompted the end of the relationship. BC had chosen to no longer play us. Two generations on our roster remembered.....

It was clear from the kick-off that our boys were up for it. Immediately on the front-foot, we took the game to the visitors. Just ten minutes into the contest Oki picked up the ball from Tayls and ran at the heart of the visitor's defence. He beat a couple of players before unleasing an unstoppable shot into the right hand side of the goal past the helpless 'keeper. 1-0 Good guys!
The half continued in much the same vein, with our back four seemingly comfortable. But, this is a talented group of players we were facing, and a moment of individual skill saw the match tied just before half-time. Blondie from Canada sent a shot high past Grandstrand from the edge of the box, and duly celebrated by attempting to "shush" the home crowd. Bad idea on College Hill young man.....
Within minutes we were back on top with Austin beating the BC 'keeper from a few yards out following more good work from Tayls and T-Mac. 2-1 Bears. Ssshhhhhh...... You can imagine the fun that was being had in the Stevenson Field bleachers at the expense of the visiting team as both teams departed for the half-time break. Blondie wasn't too popular.....
The second half was a frenetic and, at times, physical affair. Both teams had chances to add goals, but with all due respect to Boston College, the best team won the match. As has been the case all season, our bench was utilized effectively by Coach Laughlin. Smithy came in for a laboring Robbo and produced an outstanding performance.
As the game wore down the visitors became increasingly frustrated. These ACC boys weren't handling the work-rate of our men, nor getting any joy against a well organized and stubborn back-four.
Blondie made it a night to forget for himself as yet another moment of petulance saw him get his marching orders from a referee who had finally lost patience.

Onwards and upwards (well sideways geographically) to Storrs. UConn up next. Another historical rival, another opportunity to write some history....