Goalkeeper Brim says Kitsap Pumas are ready for a playoff race prowl

Saturday July 3: Kitsap Pumas at Victoria Highlanders, 7:00 PM, www.KITZ1400.com

Dustyn Brim calls it like he sees it. Between that and his acrobatic saves in goal for the Kitsap Pumas it is no wonder he's a fan favorite. He also is the first Kitsap player to be given a nickname by supporters: The Brim Reaper.

I talked with Brim after the club went through a brutal four matches in eight days stretch. Now Kitsap have only six matches remaining (four away, two at Bremerton Memorial Stadium), and Brim assures Pumas fans that he's feeling strong and that the team is ready to battle for a division title and a playoff spot.

On Sunday Kitsap let down their guard and lost two points in a 1:1 draw against winless Vancouver. "Emotionally there was frustration obviously after the match," admits Brim. "We expect better from ourselves and we know we can't afford to let off the gas pedal for one second.  I'm sure we are glad to have had a day to rest now and we will all come into Wednesday's training session firing."   Brim had no excuses for the string of matches so close together. "Physically, we've all been doing this for long enough that we know how to take care of ourselves to be able to play right away.  Sure it can wear a bit but if you're not up to then there are plenty of people dying to take your spot from the bench.  The team is really deep in regards to talent, there are 22 guys that can step when called upon."

When you talk soccer,you've also eventually got to talk about a word that isn't easy for Americans to grasp: "form." It's how the club is playing together, often inspite of the final result(s). Brim says the Pumas' recent form has been off. "In these past four matches we seem to be just off a bit, but it will come," he assures. "It's darn near impossible to play a perfect season, but it's the good teams that can have an off stretch and still come out on top. 7 points out of nine in league play is not bad." 

Brim says he's noticed some recent grumbling. I recently wrote my first critical article on the team. It hit a nerve with almost 30 comments. "I feel like there are too many people outside of the team that are already hitting the panic button," defends Dustyn. "We're 8-1-1.  That's a great record.  We have the heart, talent, and will to tweak the little things in our game and put together a better performance.  You never want to peak too early and then slump as the playoffs hit.  The second half of the season is on now and we have every bit of belief that we can take the division title and league title."

The loss in the Open Cup against the Portland Timbers was not easy to take. "You have to look back at the game, learn from mistakes and move on," Brim reminds. "The team knows this and our work rate and intensity at training shows how bad we want the next game, then the next, then the next. One game at a time till we've won them all.  We feel for our fans and supporters and would have loved to bring them another game in the Cup, especially for Robin, but we have another job at hand to focus on now."

Brim is in his second year with the Pumas, and more than most can talk about the differences in the two squads. "The 2010 team is more talented no doubt," he decides. He also is complimentary of his defense. "I love playing with the guys in front of me. Has got to be the best backline I have ever played with." Then Brim looks at the bigger club picture.  "The club has learned from the experiences of last year.  I feel like we have built a base of great fans, 600 or so that come rain or shine.  So now we build brick by brick, person by person on that base.  Last year's team was very good, but the competition in our division is much better this year as well.  Hopefully it will prepare us better for the teams in the playoffs."

Brim has a special relationship with both of the Kitsap Pumas' organized, independent supporters groups. He stands in front of them for 45 minutes every home match, guarding their goal from attack. "I think the Hellcats and Elite are awesome," he exclaims. Now both have banded together and added smoke to their supporters arsenal. "The smoke bombs add another element to the fun," smiles Dustyn. "I like them. Ya'lls support is great, we can't thank ya'll enough," He says, momentarily slipping into a slight southern drawl.  "We really get pumped with the positive support you exude to the players on the field. Just stay positive and believe in us.  Maybe more Brim Reaper signs? Ha-ha just kidding."

Brim shares a little secret. "I did get a gift of a Brim Reaper jersey that I wear under my jersey some games, though. I think it's cool."