Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Bruno In Command


(with apologies to Ernest Lawrence Thayer)

The outlook wasn’t brilliant for the Brown eleven that day;
The score stood one to nil with just the second half to play.

Ten minutes passed and already a goal had been conceded,
A shot from nearly forty yards—most fans were still not seated.

Grandstrand thought it Bernstein’s ball and Bernstein thought it Paul’s,
Both players stopped, the ball skipped in, onlookers were appalled.

The halftime whistle sounded and the home fans longed to boo.
How could the mighty Bears come out and lose to ODU?

A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to the hope that springs eternal in BrowNation’s breast:

They thought, “If only we could score and knot the game at one,
We’d surely score the second goal—this game could still be won.”

The players marched back to the field this crisp November night,
Their uniforms now glowing in the incandescent light.

They scanned the urging masses as they closely huddled in,
And on a three count bellowed out a bleacher-shaking, “Win!”

And soon it was apparent that these boys were not distraught,
They passed and dribbled skillfully, they clawed and kicked and fought.

Five minutes in, a Davies shot, beyond the reach of all,
It kissed the bar and stirred the net, a dipping, perfect ball.

The striker leapt into the sky and pumped his arms—relief!
While manic coliseum fans now burst with self-belief.

Then shot and shot flew at the goal like missiles—whizzing, humming,
As hecklers yelled to injured foes, “The waa-mbulance is coming.”

Shots hit defenders, missed the net, were cleared to left and right,
and clattered off the posts—metallic echoes in the night.

Oh, with such joy and fortitude the players played to win,
Their spirits flowed with confidence, their upward lifted chins.

Then overtime—a corner kick—the fans got to their feet,
and stomped with raucous vigor as if sound could send defeat,

Three thousand throats united in a cry that shook the earth,
And players danced inside the box, prepared for winner’s mirth.

Then as the player set the ball and lifted high his hand,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt ‘twas Bruno in command.

The ball came swerving in and half a dozen rose to meet it,
Mittens hurled skyward with the enemy defeated.

But wait—the ball was cleared away? A counter had begun—
The ball was launched directly to a streaking striker’s run,

He blocked a tackle, ran to goal and with the keeper set,
Released a shot that bulged that awful, god-forsaken net.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,

And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout,
But there is no joy in P-Town—the Bears have been knocked out.

Much later, when the lights go out, the stadium is cleared,
There linger but faint traces of a faded, distant cheer,

Coach Noonan sits with head in hands, that loss—so quick, so near!
He solemnly confesses, “I thought this was the year.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loyal readers: Thank you for following the Brown Men’s Soccer team during this historic 2007 season. It has truly been a pleasure to coach, play with, and write about this very special group of young men. If you are a regular reader of this blog, please do me a favor: post a comment below. I know the players and coaches read the blog regularly, and it would be great for them to hear your thoughts on the season.

Thank you for spilling coffee on your keyboard every time Brown scored this year, and thanks for reading.

-Anders

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congrats on such a great season. It was a pleasure to be a part of such a special team.

Your favorite athletic trainer-

Anonymous said...

It was a special season and it ended all too quickly.

Thanks to the coaches for their leadership, motivational influence, and tactical advice. Thanks to ALL of the players for their hard work and dedication. And thanks, Anders, for your witty and informative blog. I hope the blog comes back for another season.

kmrapp said...

Congratulations to a great team and a great season. Undefeated Ivy League Champions is quite a feat and is something you will carry with you proudly forever. I have enjoyed watching you guys from afar in St. Louis this season. Even from far away, it was apparent that there was an "it" factor that was undeniable this season, it seemed to me. Congratulations to your four senior leaders who meant so much to the team; they have led you well. They, and all of the BrowNation, will be cheering you on next season and for years to come. You guys are building something really special with this program and it is great to watch it happen! Best wishes to all of you on and off the field... Kent Rapp '80

Anonymous said...

Hi guys, I just read the blog, thank you Anders for your entertainment all season, and today's Brown Daily Herald article. You are a classy group and it starts at the top. Coaches and Captains, hats off to you for your leadership and character. And to the entire team, your accomplishments far outweigh any disappointment.

Good luck on exams, Happy Holidays!

Dave Sheehan

Anonymous said...

What a great run this year. It has been a pleasure watching from afar (and a-near -- the Columbia match was fun, particularly as the alums and Bruno fans outnumbered the hosts). Congratulations to all on a spectacular season.

Over time the deep disappointment after the final match will ease, to be replaced by wonderful memories of a job well done. As the wise man Albie Loeffler -- who coached Mike Noonan, Ken Murphy and me -- once said: "If your team is any good at all, the odds are pretty high that you'll end your season with a loss." THANKS for all the '07 team gave its many fans -- and for going out with your heads held high. -- Dan Woog '75

Pitter Patter said...

Guys, congrats on a very good season. Not the ending anybody wanted, but it was fun to root for you. And, Anders, thanks for the time spent on your part to share it through this blog!

Patrick said...

Thanks for all the work on the blog Anders, I regularly laughed my ass off.

Anonymous said...

a wonderful description of a very emotional game. however, this game does not take away from a magical season with wins against the best in the nation, (and a satisfying defeat of Harvard in spite of the generous bribe paid to the official)
Great blend of upper class leadership combined with the spark and spirit of the new comers.

Great year

David Flaschen

Anonymous said...

A sad ending to a great season....but what a terrific poem!! Winning the Ivy League Championship with a perfect 7-0-0 record was fantastic!! Even better than the undefeated '67 team (6-0-1) and the Final Four '68 team (6-1-0). I was there for the Dartmouth game and saw you clinch. It was a spectacular season!
Anders, I eagerly await your game accounts, one among legions I am sure. I hope it continues next year.

Anonymous said...

I have been an avid Brown Soccer supporter for years and especially proud of the group this season. The level of play, the passion, skills and committment kept us all coming back for more. Fantastic season, obviously 1 for the records.
Anders, what can we say, you are amazing. All the best,

Jay S.
Browm FM

Anonymous said...

As a member of Brown teams of the late 80s which at times struggled, I am in awe and humbled by the heights to which you all have taken the soccer program. Congratulations men on an incredible '07 season. Please realize that the contributions you make to Brown through your commitment and excellence on the pitch inspire us all, keep us feeling young and make us proud to be affiliated with this outstanding institution. Thank you very much for your hard work.

Anders, I want to add my thanks to you. Your efforts really keep the broader Brown soccer community connected to the team. Your updates are pure genius and much appreciated.

Aaron Velli '90

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to the entire team on an incredibly sucessful season, despite the slightly early exit. My sons and I have become Brown soccer fans simply by way of Anders' Mr. Soccer Camps in Traverse City, MI, and we have thoroughly enjoyed keeping up with the team by way of his amazing and very entertaining blogs throughout the season. My own soccer days ended in a similar fashion -- we (Kalamzoo College women's team, late 80s) lost our NCAA regional semifinal game in our first trip to the tournament. I now live the game vicariously through my 10 and 7 year old boys: driving, watching, cheering and coaching -- as well as these blogs.

Congrats again,
Amy, Max and Jacob T.

Anonymous said...

Notwithstanding the disappointment of the ODU loss, this season now past was a successful tribute to the character and dignity of our lads and their coaches. As Mike said to me earlier this week, UConn and Wake Forest are the two strongest teams in the tournament and it shows in their play. Mike feels that our team is in the same class, and I concur wholeheartedly.

Anders' poignant ode reflects how many of us feel. Let's continue to celebrate the players of this wonderful team while we start to look forward to next season. Mike has another strong set of recruits lined up to join the many fine players who will continue with our team in the future.

Thanks to all of you for your comments. I find them very uplifting.

Chi- '67

Anonymous said...

Great season to all. Good luck next year to allreturning players. Thank you.

Rhetts lil cuz

Anonymous said...

Boys, this season was special for all affiliated with and fans of Brown Soccer. It was great to watch from afar and discuss with other alums. Remember this season as one of amazing achievement and reward. Congrts to players and coaches and thank you for carrying our spirit for the season.

Greg Kuroda, 92'

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the team on a truly phenomenal season. It was a privilege to be able to come see the team play nearly every home game this year. I've been a fan of Brown soccer for many years, and now I am proud to bring my little 3 year old boy to the games to help grow his love of the game. It's wonderful for both of us to see the commitment, energy and entertaining, smart play that defines Brown soccer.
Thanks again for a great season, boys.

- Dave in Cranston

Tom A said...

Thanks to the entire Brown soccer team--all its players & coaches-- for being such an inspiration to me and my players across Lloyd Ave. From the Elite and Select Camps, to your stirring opening win over Santa Clara and your Ivy League clinching victory over Dartmouth, you have had a fantastic season--undefeated Ivy League champs! You have modeled what a great team and fine sportsmanship are all about. Congrats! Tom A/MB Coach

Anonymous said...

As a Brown graduate student, I can honestly say that the joy that this '07 team brought me was a sustaining factor this fall...it wasn't just the winning, it was the way the game was played with great intensity and togetherness. Losing to ODU doesn't take anything away from that. You guys are the best...and I look forward to next year.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on a great season. It's been a pleasure following you guys.

Josh Parker, '90

Anonymous said...

It was a great season, unfortunately we didn't get to see you guys out here in Northern California. But you guys certainly made waiting for Anders's lame posts must reads. Howard Cosell he is not.

It pains me just to think what he might have written about my missed penalty shot against West Point. I would probably still be thinking about it 44 years later.

And Anders, it was great fun reading your posts. Keep on writing!

And congratulations to a great team that made us all proud.

mbmom said...

Even though we attend all the home games, we eagerly await Anders Kelto's reports...thanks so much for sharing your wonderful writing skills with all of us.

For the past few years, I have been bringing my 12 year old soccer fanatic son (remember Jason, the only player at Brown Soccer Day Camp who can correctly spell "Larentowicz"?) to Brown Soccer games and Brown Soccer Camps...for several reasons:

1-The high level of soccer taught by the Brown coaching staff
2-The high level of soccer played by the Brown Men's Soccer team
3-The positive life lessons of academic/athletic balance, team work ethic and sportsmanship displayed by each and every member of the Brown coaching staff and soccer team

This season has been special for fans, right from the very first game! My son had the schedule posted at home and planned our activities to be sure we could attend each home game and he even hovered around the computer watching the "gametracker" during the away games. He especially enjoyed watching his "coaches" from the Portsmouth Abbey Soccer Camp, Howerton and Sawyer, play with such skill and dedication throughout the season:)

Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff on a fabulous season. We are already looking forward to next season and Jason is ready to sign up for Brown Soccer Camp again !
Nancy Foster

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on a great season! It has been great for me out here in California to be able to follow the team through Anders' thoroughly entertaining blogs. The premature loss to ODU does nothing to take away from what this year's team accomplished. You should all be very proud of yourselves.

Yohance Edwards '96

Anonymous said...

Job well done guys. I hadnt seen a Brown Soccer game almost since the time I graduated. A fellow alumni and roomate Dave Flaschen got me to follow the team again I went to the Columbia game that Dan Woog mentioned. You guys are great. I was amazed how good the team played. Keep your heads high and when in doubt blame Cliff.

Mark Griffith 77

Anonymous said...

With regard to the posting above of "blame Cliff", it is a joke for the players of the 70's. Your team has brought alot of us together chatting about this Brown team on the internet. We all had a terrific time playing for Brown and remember Cliff with alot of affection and laughs. Your Brown team brought a bunch of us together, and we had a wonderful time bantering about your season. You guys are terrific.. great job. Mark Griffith 77

Unknown said...

Seeing this team play in San Diego early in the season was a highlight of the fall. Beautiful, beautiful soccer. It made it easy to understand how they went undefeated in Ivy play as my son and I followed them online and through Mr. Kelto's poetic accounts. Please come back to the West Coast soon.

Sean Mitchell `70

Mohonkey said...

The loss to ODU only confirms what a cruel game soccer can be. You surely deserved to go to the next stage of the tournament. But guys, it was a fabulous season. I hope those of you who are graduating will remember it without regret. This team has been an inspiration to an entire community of players and fans.

Anonymous said...

thanks for the terrific season! It was great fun for a lot of us and certainly stirred up my old soccer bones. I hope you realize much sooner than I did that it's the effort not the result that counts. (was that Allen (Fox) or Hooksey who missed that penalty kick against Army?) Craig Nielsen '65