SPRING WRAP-UP....

With the Ivy League rules and regulations, Spring soccer is a “compressed” affair at Brown. Finding the balance of training and games, producing a competitive environment, and accomplishing everything that needs to be done in terms of development and evaluation is a challenge, to say the least.
The boys have shown tremendous dedication and commitment since winter break. Early morning lifts three-days-per-week, training sessions squeezed between second semester classes, and community service projects, have all been accomplished with minimal fuss and maximum effort.
The culmination of the Spring is the two dates of competition. A double-header with UMass and Marist kicked things off in Amherst on Saturday, April 16th. In the first match versus Marist the boys had to shake off a great deal of “rust” both physically and mentally. In keeping with the Fall, a clean-sheet was kept, but despite much huffing and puffing, we couldn’t blow the house down that Marist had built in front of their 18-yard box. A 0-0 tie was satisfactory considering the circumstances and that our opponents were well into their Spring schedule.
In the second match of the day we faced a well-rested UMass host. It was one-way traffic for much of the game, and a T-Mac-Rosa combo sealed a 1-0 win after great work from Jay on the left wing. The only other possibility of scoring in the match was further opportunities for our boys, as they dominated proceedings. All in all, a good day, with two clean sheets and a dominant performance. A few of the “new guys” established credibility with good performances, to show that the future remains bright and hopeful.
On April 23rd we made the short trip down to URI, but not to play the Rams. Boston University were first on the agenda. Conditions were nothing short of awful, with cold driving horizontal rain and fierce gusty winds. With memories of a below-par, yet winning performance from the Fall fresh in our minds, here was an opportunity to produce a performance to match a result. And so it proved. The terriers were no match for our free-flowing play and it wasn’t long before Tayls put us on the board with the first goal of the game. At half-time the BU staff suggested ending the contest – apparently they were too cold…..! Needless to say, we were having none of that – Brown Men’s Soccer prides itself on professionalism and commitment. The second half kicked-off and our domination continued. Sean made it two. Not surprisingly, the BU staff again indicated a willingness to go home at this point. Incredible! The match ended 2-0, it could have been more….
The second segment of the day was a match against American International from Springfield. A team made up of some savvy international players presented a different type of challenge, and for a while we struggled to find space. Early in the second half a couple of blunders led to our first goal conceded of the Spring, and our opponents celebrated in similar fashion to the Spanish after the World Cup win….. This spurred our boys into life, and three unanswered goals, courtesy of Cheese-Steak Escalona (2) and T-Mac put the match beyond doubt. 3-1 Bears.

Round-up:
Brown 0-0 Marist
Brown 1-0 UMass
Brown 2-0 Boston University
Brown 3-1 AIC

This weekend sees the alumni visit campus for our annual match-up. It’s the penultimate date on the Spring calendar and should provide the boys with a decent test. The trash-talking has begun in earnest!
In just a few short weeks, our outstanding senior class of David Walls, Paul Grandstrand, Ian Smith, Jon Okafor and Sean McGrath will all walk through the gates at senior commencement. With thanks for all they have contributed to Brown Men’s Soccer over the past four years, we look forward to watching their progress as valued members of society….

August is a short summer away. Stay tuned!