Jack Brown ‘23
Staff Editor
A perfect late September day served as the ideal backdrop for a top-of-the-table Sunday league clash as Barristers United tied 1-1 against a fearsome squad only known as “UNU.” While a tie is not a loss, it is the first time in almost a year that the Barristers squad has not walked away from a game the clear winners, a sign of the heightened competition the team finds itself in.
This match was a story of determination, desire, and disregard on the part of the referee towards punishing dangerous conduct. Late tackles, aggressive pushes, and accusations of officiating the game drunk were all fair game as Sunday league soccer continues to offend norms of common sporting decency. Still, even with a shorter bench than normal, the Barristers held strong and kept calm to extend the team’s unbeaten run.
An unsung hero who has helped keep this dream alive is converted keeper Aziz Rashidzada, who was called on more than ever before to save several near goals. Although he shifted into the role out of necessity, he has quickly blossomed into a premiere shot stopper.
Another fan favorite who has thrived this season is new dog owner Daniel Choi, who created several good chances that the team just couldn’t capitalize on and is always a threat playing either centrally or out wide.
A final shoutout has to go to the newly-signed Sopranos fan, Zach Pierce, who was responsible both for the only goal scored by Barristers on Sunday, and the questionable red card[1] that forced the team to dig deep to hold on for the last twenty-five minutes.
With the team almost halfway through the regular season, pundits and fans alike are confident that this team will be able to continue to excel in this new league. While results have started to tighten up compared to the 4-0 win that opened the season, the team has exceptional potential to grow. Between the influx of untapped 1L talent, the addition of dogs to the sidelines, and the possibility of a return by the perpetually controversial Doyle Tuvesson, this team’s season is just getting started.
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jwb4bb@virginia.edu
[1] Let the record show the other team also believed that when the whistle was blown, that their player was going to get sent off, and that the team would be willing to testify under oath that Zach was not the aggressor