Coach Lagos told me more than once that Brian was the type of player he never had to worry about motivating because he brought it to every practice and was ready to play in every game. As you can imagine there are many players you need to try to motivate if they are not getting regular starting gigs. But with Brian he came to every practice as if he was getting the nod the next game. A tribute to the motivation, determination and work ethic of Mr. Cvilikas. Because of those character traits I am sure he will do well wherever he lands.

Last season I know that Brian wanted to see more playing time. When other players would have quit, Brian kept working hard. I saw this firsthand when watching the Stars train last season. Brian was one of the first players to the training pitch and the last to leave. He was at the head of the pack when the team would run and pushed himself to become a better player. Brian will be missed this coming season.

On a personal note, I will always remember Brian by one of the last times I spoke with him. During the last training session before the championship match against the Strikers, I took a nice picture of Brian finishing a cross off his head. He struck the ball so hard that Matt VO did not even move. I passed the picture onto the front office and asked that they give it to Brian.

At the after party at Bricks, I was sitting at the bar with my wife enjoying a Surly and celebrating a Stars win. Brian came into Bricks, came right up to me, and thanked me for taking the picture and passing it on to him. He also sat with us for a few minutes and told my wife how great of a soccer player I was—as I played on the back line with Brain two years ago at the first Stars fantasy camp. (Brain, that was a memorable speech before that match!) I was flattered that he remembered a wannabe like me and increased the size of my ego ten-fold. Without a doubt, you are first-class!

That is how I will remember Brain. Best of luck and never forget that you are a STAR!

Seeing him not scoring early last year, sitting through the middle of the season, then showing up late to really help that team come together and become nigh-unbeatable is about as good a storyline as you could wish for in a final chapter of a playing career.

@joerg, he is coming. I’ve been in contact with him but he’s been trying to get over here on a flight that doesn’t cost him 1/4 of his yearly NASL income. I think he will be here next week sometime.