Boys Soccer: Brown Brothers keep in style on the pitch for Penncrest

RIDLEY >> It’s not difficult to pick out Sam Brown on the soccer field, not just because he’s rarely far from the ball. There’s also what’s on the head — think a darker-hued version of wild-haired international star of the past Carlos Valderrama — that helps the Penncrest forward stand out from the crowd.

Younger brother Max, thanks in part to a new haircut, is slightly more inconspicuous. But the sophomore is just as instrumental to the Lions’ early success. That was evident Thursday in a comprehensive 4-0 Central League win over Ridley, one where the two pieces of the puzzle named “Brown” fit together nicely.

Sam Brown scored twice, one on a penalty kick. Max Brown pulled the strings from deep in midfield, his incisive service and defense-softening shots from distance, though errant, providing forwards with lanes to run through.

It would be convenient to draw parallels between their games and choice of hair styles, Sam sporting the ostentatious style of someone who relishes taking on defenders one-v-one; Max the more conservative, stay-at-home midfielder.

For as well as their framed manes complement, it’s tempting to think they arose by design playing alongside each other.

But it’s a tactical coincidence that the Browns gravitated toward different areas of the pitch. (And, for the record, the hair is just an attempt by Max, a sophomore, to “look a little different” than his corkscrew-coiffed brother).

“I guess we play well together because I like to play more holding and pick out passes, and Sam likes to go at people and he’s a finisher, too,” Max said. “It’s a pretty good combo.”

Penncrest’s early season success would concur. Max Brown played the over-the-top ball that led to the first goal, when Ridley goalie Zach Ritz pawed away a shot by Sam Brown, but Nate Rodgers was first to swoop to the rebound deposit it into the net for Penncrest (4-2, 2-1).

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