Dustyn Brim: 'The Brim Reaper' kills shots on goal for Kitsap Pumas

Dustyn Brim stretches to block a shot in goal for the Kitsap Pumas. (David Falk)

Frank Henderson of the Hellcats gave goalkeeper Dustyn Brim the nickname "The Brim Reaper." It works. After all, the Pumas' goal is where shots go to die. I spoke with the Kitsap netminder recently to get his take on the 2009 season and to look ahead to the challenges of 2010.

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Dustyn Brim got in his car last year, leaving the warmth of Louisiana far behind as he drove, and drove, and drove, ending up in of all places Bremerton, Washington, USA. He made the first-year Kitsap Pumas roster, and then earned the starting goalkeeper spot for a side that lost only twice all season.

Brim's life in soccer began closer to Washington than Louisiana is. "My youth was spent in Northern Cali, in the Santa Cruz mountains," says Dustyn, "just playing for small clubs but at a reasonably high level.  I never stepped in goal until I was 14 when our keeper went down with an injury.  Coach asked for someone to step up and I fell in love with the position, the pressure, and the pain," he ends with a laugh.  "I went from a small high school to walk onto Div. 1 San Jose State. No scholarship money for me so I went the following year to a junior college to save money for my next adventure.  Moved to the land of her Majesty the Queen, where I spent the next two years climbing the ladder of football and eventually having my work permit denied." Brim lists a few of his club travels in the UK.  "One local club was called East Barnet Old Grammerian, EBOG for short.  Then I was on trial at a club called Wingate and Finchly FC, Lastly was Barnet FC whom applied for the work permit for me.  There were some shorter stints with other clubs but those were the main ones.  I was in the UK in '03 and '04."

Brim in goal for the Pumas at Memorial Stadium, Bremerton. (Jenni Conner)

Brim headed back to the States where he began his soccer career focus all over again. "Starting my climb in the states was going to be too costly in Cali so I sent out e-mails all throughout the PDL in the US. My best opportunity took me to Louisiana where I played for four years." Then 2009 came along and Brim got wind of the start-up in Kitsap County. "I saw some news about this new team starting up, liked what I heard and began to talk to Mr. (Robin) Waite (Pumas owner).  The more I talked to him and Coach (James) Ritchie the more I was beginning to think this could be where I could get my foot in the door.  The ambitions of the club and where they want to go were a major factor to me coming.  I was lucky enough to have John Wedge (former Pumas Head Coach) give me the opportunity to compete for the job, so I did what I always do, nose down, head up and work as hard as you possibly can until you get your shot and then work even harder." About his strong worth ethic, Dustyn says "My parents are responsible for that."

Dustyn Brim at the 2009 press conference introducing the Pumas' crest. (Jenni Conner)

Dustyn found his way to Bremerton, but what would his gamble return? "Our first season was amazing," he says directly. "The talent that was put together was top-notch, but more importantly the personalities, attitudes, and character of all of the team was right. One of the best feelings was walking out onto the pitch for the 2009 United States Open Cup game against the Portland Timbers and feeling the energy coming from our fans.  I know they talk about how the 12th man can inspire, but it's entirely different to feel as if your heart is beating at the same rhythm of the drums and cheers.  I know this is something that will only get bigger and better."

The great first year ended before a scattering of viewers in the dust and heat of a Texas night. "One lasting impression that I have is the devastating feeling of that loss in Laredo to eventual champions Ventura County Fusion.  It's important to remember those feelings so you have more fuel to push you to never feel it again.  You learn from it, and turn it into inspiration." 

Now that a few months have gone by, and Dustyn remains in the West Sound area, he has a better grasp on what it means live on the peninsula. "Bremerton has definitely been growing on me," he confesses. "So far I have really liked my stay here.  I love the weather, may be a shock to some, but I am a sweaty dude and anytime you don't have a hundred percent humidity like Louisiana, I'm stoked. Plus, I enjoy camping a lot which I'd say this state is one of the best I've been to."

I asked Dustyn if he's seen the Pumas tall, talented U-17 goalkeeper Jason Kramberger from Kingston High School. "I have only worked with Jason on a very limited basis.  From what I have so far, and watched, the tools are surely there and he has the right attitude.  I am going to be taking on a much more substantial role with the goalkeepers next season, evening having a goalkeeping academy.  We are also looking to have a training session a week where we invite some of the older academy keepers to join in on one of our sessions.  It'll be good to show them how we train and get them a little involved at top level intensity."

One thing about life with a PDL club, the offseason is way too long (almost seven months). "The offseason of this league is really tricky because of the length," Dustyn agrees. "I hit the gym all offseason, now is when cardio picks up.  I try to do as much goalkeeper coaching as possible to mentally keep on my game.  I play a bunch of indoor as well but that's more for fun and fitness with my girlfriend.  Some of us players are starting to get together as well to begin our training."

So what does "The Brim Reaper" do to keep his image alive? "If I had to describe my style, loud would have to be in there, but I try to lead from the back. Since I can see the whole field I try to help organize things that people may not be aware of.  As a keeper, you better be hard as nails if you're going to make it, and I've got the scars to prove it. I don't have the height that a lot of keepers so I've had to make up for that with strength and jumping ability.  Going into college I was having trouble collecting crosses over people and get knocked out of the way.  So I hit the weights hard and now I try to live by, "if you run into me once, you aren't going to want to do it again".  I read the ball a lot better now and as I continue to play that will only get better. It's always an advantage if you know where the ball is going to be before others do. My height I can never change but smarts I call always grow."

Brim is an acrobat in goal. Despite his physical stature when he's in front of the nets, he covers as much air as anyone. (Jenni Conner)

The 5'10 205 lb 26-year old became an instant favorite with Pumas fans with his springboard leaps and tough-guy look. Turns out the Santa Cruz California-born goalkeeper is a really friendly guy off of the pitch. Dustyn has also noticed the Pumas fans, and their offseason organization into the Hellcats. "The Hellcats, how cool is that?" he beams. "How many teams at this level have their own supporters group? I'm game for what ever they want to do." I asked Dustyn about whether the Hellcats should switch ends during the match so that they are always making noise to disrupt the opposing goalkeeper, or if he'd like the Hellcats behind him for a half.  "If they want to give the opposition a hell of a time, I am all for it.  If they want to cheer me on, bring on the noise.  I love it, gets me amped.  I've been meaning to ask them who it was that gave me the nickname "The Brim Reaper," kinda like that. My brother, who lives in Cali, has already bought a Hellcats shirt.  Can't wait for the noise, and it is truly inspiring to see our colors flying in the stands on flags and fans."

Long though the offseason is, the 2010 campaign is just about here. Pumas tryouts start in less than a month. Brim is ready. "I want to take this team as far as we can.  Moving up the league.  I moved my entire life here to really make something.  I want to be a part of this special thing that we are starting to build here.  I want to be the 'keeper to have a shutout in our own stadium! I believe we are starting that and winning is the way we keep that going.  So for the future, I just want to put my nose down, head up, and fight for Coach (Peter) Fewing's starting goalkeeper spot."

Brim has the support of his teammates. In the late stages of last year's 1-1 draw at Portland, Brim is joined by the Pumas in a scuffle that dislodged the Kitsap goal. (Jenni Conner)