Box Score
The Bruins traveled to Clearwater, Florida for a much anticipated battle with the Clearwater Christian Cougars. The two schools competed only once last season with the Bruins getting the 5-0 win in Greenville. The Cougars have struggled this season and entered Saturday's match with a 2-7-1 record having lost three of their last four matches. The Cougars were able to snap a three-game losing streak by defeating Trinity Baptist last Saturday. The Bruins were coming off a 1-1 draw with Truett-McConnell on Thursday night. The two teams were set and ready to play some soccer on the football field at Calvary Christian High School. The weather would play a factor in this game as the hot Florida sun would test both squads.

At the opening kickoff, the Bruins were able work through their progressions but overall the play was sloppy throughout the first half. The Bruins were able to move the ball into the attacking third on several possessions, but the ball exchanged teams at the midfield many times. The Cougars physical play took its toll on the Bruins who had to fight for every opportunity. In the late stages of the first half, the Cougars rifled a shot at the goal which was blocked by Joe Wooster, but the spin of the ball allowed it to trickle over the line for a goal to put the Cougars up 1-0. Despite the efforts by the Bruins to counter, the team trailed Clearwater 1-0 at the break. The Bruins coaching staff was fired up on the sidelines as the team looked to make adjustments going into the second half.   

In the second half, the rejuvenated Bruins came out and completely controlled possession throughout the entire second half. The Cougars switched up their defensive strategy to stack the box and make it difficult for the Bruins to generate open looks. Despite the defensive pressure, the Bruins had several golden opportunities as four times throughout the second half a Bruins shot would hit the crossbar. The Clearwater defense continued to stand strong and clear out the ball before the Bruins could equalize. The Bruins desperately tried to draw even with Clearwater but the buzzer ended the match at 1-0. 

"We just played pathetic in the first half," Coach Jesse McCormick said. "We need to improve on simple decision making in front of the net to finish our chances."

With the loss, the Bruins fall to 4-5-1 on the season. The team has been able to compete well in this second season, but has had problems finishing their offensive opportunities. The Bruins will have some time to think about this loss, and no doubt this match will serve as a motivation this week in practice before welcoming in this same Clearwater team next Saturday night in Greenville.