Box Score
As the Bruins welcomed the Northland International University Pioneers to Alumni Stadium, the stage was set for a great match between these "sister" institutions. The Pioneers entered Saturday's match with a 14-3-1 record and have been on an impressive winning streak with 9 straight wins. The Bruins also have had an impressive run as the team has won 7 of their last eight matches. The two teams knew the energy would be high as over 2,000 fans filled Alumni Stadium. 

From the opening kickoff, both teams picked up the physical intensity as each battled for control of possession. The Pioneers and Bruins exchanged foul after foul as both teams were trying to set the pace of the game. Despite the physical play, the Bruins did well in moving the ball up the field with good crisp passes that exposed the Pioneer defense. The Bruins entered the scoring column in the 11th minute as Mark Sterr fired a beautiful shot into the upper-corner of the net to put the Bruins up 1-0. With the Bruins on top, the Pioneers quickly went on the offensive and began to put serious pressure on Bruins' goalie Jon Sandy. The Bruins defense stood strong as players were able to deflect many shots away from the goal. In the 28th minute of play, the Pioneers would get the equalizer as Darrell Goff scored just past the outstretched hands of Sandy for the tie. In the waning minutes of the first half, the Bruins and Pioneers exchanged shots and hard fouls as both teams desperately pushed for the lead. As the buzzer sounded for halftime the two teams were locked in a 1-1 tie.

"We knew we could keep the energy level high," Coach McCormick said. "Northland did a good job moving the ball and working the ball. They have some really talented players out there."

As the second half began, the Bruins were able to gain possession and really control the pace of the game. As the team set up offensive opportunities, the Bruins were able to generate good looks but each attempt sailed just wide. In the 60th minute, the Bruins received a free kick opportunity and Mark Sterr headed a centering pass which Phil Beardlee finished to put the Bruins up 2-1. The Bruin faithful went crazy as they had taken the lead. Less than ten minutes later, Travis Woodham continued his impressive scoring run by notching his 11th goal of the season to put the Bruins up 3-1. From there the Bruins never looked back as the defense stepped up the intensity to keep the Pioneers from attacking. With minutes to go in the game, the Bruins put the nail in the coffin as Ryan McCarty headed a beautiful goal off of a corner kick to give the Bruins a 4-1 victory. 

"Every time we step on the field we are there to play to the best of our ability and magnify Christ," Coach McCormick said. "It's great to take the momentum and excitment and confidence from this game especially going into the playoffs."

With the win, the Bruins finish their regular season at 10-4-1. The Bruins will get right back to work on Monday as the team prepares for the playoffs in a few weeks.

Stay tuned to www.bjubruins.com for all the playoff information for our soccer teams.