MHC Dish From the Pitch 2013 MHC Dish From the Pitch 1 | Page 4

Faces From the Pitch
by Connor Kilp

Brocach Bandits Scratch Past
County Clare Cats
by Jack Harrold

Nick Yanasak

Although Nick Yanasak,
a rookie, has known about the
club for a number of years
through his friend Captain
Connor Kilp of Burke’s, he has
finally had the time to join up.
Nick plays for Burke’s
Irish Castle, and during his
debut game played hard. “It
was a lot of fun, and I’m
excited for the rest of the
season,” Nick mentioned
following the game. Nick
played the game at half back,
and hopes to keep playing
there.
While not at the pitch,
Nick works as a manager at
Planet Fitness in downtown
Milwaukee, and when asked at
which sponsor he would most
likely be found, he promptly
stated, “Irish Pub, it is pretty
close to my work.” Nick plays a
myriad of other sports,
including ping-pong and
ultimate Frisbee.
Fun Fact: Nick is not Irish.

photo credit: Hannah Fortier (age 7)
The penultimate match saw the Brocach Bandits face off against
the County Clare Cats. Kicking into gear, an intense battle between the
half lines broke out immediately.   Several minutes into the game,
Brocach managed to break the stalemate with a point. Later, Bandit Ian
Doherty had a spectacular weak-side point from 40 yards out – while
doing an Irish Dance kick!
Clare though, roared right back. Fluid shifting of the Brocach
fullback line and spectacular play by Bandit Goalie Joel Travis held off
the Cats’ fierce attack of the bandit jugular. “You got Joel Travis at
goal,” commented one of the Cats’ halfbacks, “now we have to work
twice as hard to score.”
Cat Defender Renee Anzivino was a special hindrance to the
Bandits; clearly she has not missed a step while taking a few seasons
off! Passing and teamwork opened up opportunities for Brocach. While
some shots went wide, others hit the mark for both points and a goal
putting the Bandits comfortably ahead at half time.
The third quarter witnessed a fulcrum shift in the game. County
Clare tore down the field pressing the Bandit fullback line. Three times,
Clare shot laser beams into the net; this included the first goal for third
year player Chris Bauer. The tide was turning as the third quarter
ended with only a four point interval.
The final quarter was do-or-die time for both teams. Though
Clare had the momentum, Brocach was still ahead by a small margin.
Though he had barely made it back for the game after attending his
college graduation ceremony that morning, Bandit Halfback Andy
“Butters” Goelz pressed the offense and ran down for a goal; reignited
the Brocach side who maintained their lead to win 3-14 (23) to 3-4 (13).