Over the past several Doxa Italia seasons, Brian Burdue has been a staple in the squad. Every
team needs a ‘Burdue’; a player who in his natural position as keeper is hard to beat, and who can step out on to the field to give a solid perforance. We have seen this several times this season, when with only 12 or 13 players, the Gaffer has played Burdue up top. Add to that the fact that his camera has seen more player action and pics than Tina Turner, and you know he has some stories to share. We caught up with Brian to find out a little more about him in and out of the game.
Soccer career highlight:
That Rose Bowl 7aside match was a good one (see story below somewhere). Playing against a full strength Galaxy side in a charity match is a good highlight too. Playing in Mexico with some big name players for charity is a good one too..
You have been known to play up top, describe your favorite goal:
I was playing on the left and a free kick was served up from the right which took a deflection out to where I was (about 25 yrds out). In full stride I knocked a full volley as hard as I could. Normally it would end up 70 yrds away over the tennis courts etc. I couldn’t have hit it any better and it curled around everybody who was in the box and smashed into the net just inside the far post. Keeper never moved and the Mitre Power Shot clocked it at 83mph.
Any other ones we should know about?
I have scored as keeper a few times. Usually coming up on a corner kick or taking a penalty but during a 7aside match, Doxa was playing in the final and it was a standoff at 0-0. The opposing team were pushing forward and Paul Rottenberg sent me a ball that the striker was chasing hard. I beat him to it and just hammered it. The pitch was maybe 80 yrds and I was at the top of the box. Well it caught the wind right or something cause next thing I know I see their keeper tangled in the net as he scrambled back for the ball that beat him and scored. We won the final 1-0.
Favorite player to play with:
There’s a few but I’ve always done well with Chirgy. Use to say that if he scored and I was in net we won. Think that still holds true.
Outside of soccer, what do you like doing:
I’m a metal/music guy and like to go to gigs. I missed a game a few weeks back as I was in Vegas for Metallica and
Machine Head.
Favorite moment outside of soccer:
Meeting my wife. She’s by far the best thing ever.
Favorite beer:
Jack Daniels
Peter Schmeichel or David Seaman:
Schmeichel, he was amazing.
Most embarrassing story do you have on another player:
You don’t talk about fight club. Sorry B. UCSB Fiesta Tourny 2004 had some fun times. Jabba the Sharpton, The puke in the kit bag incident. ahhh memories.
Most Likely on the team to
- Score an own goal:
Nas..Done it more than once on me. (Infamous Vegas quarters own goal with less than a min remaining in the match sent us out of the tourny). Omie Doufie is a close second. - Get sent off:
Chirgs or Nate - Get goal of the season:
Derk or Chirgs - Show up to a game with no gear:
Me – I forgotten my gloves or boots or jersey many times. - Miss a game because they are at a poker table in Vegas:
Steve Boyle – It’s funny cause it’s true - Have to go to rehab:
All of us…except Derk.
