Box Score
After watching the Bruins women defeat Freed-Hardeman University, the men's soccer team took the field for a battle with the Lions. The Bruins were riding a two-game winning streak after with wins over Columbia International and Reinhardt. The Bruins have outscored their opponents 7-2 in their last two matches. The Lions were 8-6 on the season with their most recent match being a 3-0 win over Benedictine College. Cam Lawson got the start in goal tonight for the Bruins. The cold crisp air would be a factor as both teams took the field for the match.
From the opening kickoff, the Bruins and Lions went back and forth trying to establish momentum and rhythm of play in the opening minutes. The Bruins have done well in recent matches in spreading the field and allowing open lanes for their forwards to generate good looks on net. The same was true on this night as the Bruins moved the ball up the field. The Lions and Bruins exchanged possession, with both teams struggling to put shots on frame.
The Bruins outshot the Lions 6-4 in the first half, with both teams having several quality opportunities to take the lead. With the half winding down, both teams began to look ahead to the break. Bruins' forward Matt Moore capitalized on the opportunity with two seconds left in the first half to notch his 13th goal of the season and put the Bruins up 1-0 at the half.
"We came out with good energy tonight," Coach Jesse McCormick said. "Matt Moore gave us a great goal right at the end of the half."
In the second half, the Lions came out strong playing for the equalizer. The cold weather slowed down the pace of the game significantly as the teams went back and forth in the midfield. The Bruins played excellent defense as they snuffed out each Lions attack.
The team had two great opportunities in the second half, but both sailed just wide as the score remained 1-0. In the closing minutes, the Lions mounted one last offensive charge. Cam Lawson was up to the task as the Bruins senior made clutch saves to keep the clean sheet intact. As the horn sounded, the Bruins had won their third straight match with a 1-0 victory over Freed-Hardeman.
"This was an even matchup for us but we did a great job of limiting quality chances for them," Coach Jesse McCormick said.
With the win, the Bruins improve to 8-6-1 on the season. Cam Lawson completed his second clean sheet of the season and Matt Moore recorded his 13th goal of the year. The Bruins will look to keep their winning streak as they finish up their road trip tomorrow afternoon at Tennessee Temple University.
