"They have exorcised the demons, this house is clear..."

Sunday November 4, 2012
Chestnut Hill, MA - Brookline FC accomplished this weekend what it had failed to do in three previous matches (yes 3), they were able to bury their demons and defeat arch rival PAAC 2-1 at Skyline Park.  The boys in yellow put on another dominant performance, with BFC holding the advantage in both time of possession as well as shots/chances on net.  In truth Brookline could and should have had a good half dozen goals in yesterday's contest.  By all accounts they had a semi-breakaway cleared off the line, a point blank shot saved by the keeper, a volley inside the 8 off a corner kick soared over the crossbar and a tap in on a rebound put high and wide - that's 4 right? 

As expected it was a very physical contest with lots of desparaging remarks made by both teams before, during and after the play.  I would be foolish (and looking at the match through rose tinted glasses) to say that BFC was not responsible for some of the shenanigans yesterday.  Anyone that says that one team was more at fault during yesterday's match is kidding themselves, both teams were playing as physical as possible while at the same time trying to send a subtle message that there is no love for their opponent.  This match up has the potential to be a great rivalry where each team plays hard, challenges ever ball and leaves it all on the field.  However the actions/words of a few from both teams cause these matches to devolve in no time while pointing fingers and calling one another cheapshots, cheats, whiners, etc etc etc. Yesterday was no different and it should come as no surprise that 5 cards were issued by the ref yesterday; in truth another 2-3 could/should have been handed out, especially early in the match, to set the tone but alas I'm only a writer, not the ref what do I know...well a lot more about the game of soccer and the rules that go along with it that for sure, but I'll let it go.

BFC got on the board early and continued the pressure on PAAC's backline until the final whistle, as stated previously BFC was unlucky not to have scored more.  The last 4 minutes were tense as PAAC pulled back a goal on what some considered to be a controvertial PK call.  In the end Brookline was able to hold on for the 3 points and the 2nd playoff spot for the D6C Flight2.  BFC ends the regular season with a record 5-2-3 for 18 pts, and a +26 goal differential - hats off to the defense for accomplishing the pre-season goal of averaging a 1.0 goal against average.

Brookline FC now travel to 1st place in Flight1 Irish Village, next Sunday 11am at Alpine Field in Wayland.  BFC and Village battled to a 1-1 stalemate during Week 3 this fall.  Both teams will be looking for a big win to propel them into the D6 Finals in Lexington in two weeks time vs. the winner of Alliance FC (1st Flight2 vs. Harvard (2nd Flight1).

Goals: Caley, Kent
Assists: Charles (2)