The Bruins continued their preseason preparations by welcoming in the Emmanuel College Lions on Friday night. The game was postponed for an hour and a half as lighting and rain caused several delays. The teams were finally able to take the field knowing that weather was going to play a factor in this scrimmage. Emmanuel finished the season last year at 10-8-2 and scored 41 goals last season. This high-powered offense would certainly test the Bruins in this scrimmage. Joseph Wooster got his second straight start in the net for the Bruins, and the team was looking to continue their winning ways after a 1-0 victory over North Greenville University last week.
From the opening kickoff, the Lions and Bruins adjusted to the wet conditions, making passing and ball possession more difficult. Early on in the half, the Lions gained the advantage by maintaining possession and making several great runs past the Bruin defense. On two separate occasions, the Lions were able to generate one-on-one runs but Bruins' goalie Joseph Wooster was a brick wall and denied both opportunities. Later on, the Lions headed a cross off the crossbar. Try as they might, the Lions couldn't find the back of the net thanks to the Bruins defense and clutch saves by Wooster.
The Bruins struggled to get anything going on the offensive end as several run attempts were sniffed out by the Lions. At the break, the teams were even at 0-0. "I thought we had good defensive shape tonight," Coach McCormick said. "Wooster came up with some big saves but we still can have better composure on the ball and better decision making."
As the second half began the rain subsided a little and the Bruins came out with a greater enthusiasm and intensity. They passed the ball well and generated a lot of good looks throughout the opening minutes. After gaining possession the Bruins sent a beautiful through pass to Matt Moore who broke away from the Lion defense and buried a shot in the back of the net to break the scoreless tie. Less than five minutes later, a similar play allowed Vince Wilson to break into the open and score on to make it 2-0 Bruins. As the half continued the Bruins continued to move the ball around and keep the Lions opportunities to a minimum.
With 8 minutes remaining, Bruins' goalie John Wiser came out to block a shot and was called for a foul setting up a penalty kick for the Lions. The Lions capitalized on the PK opportunity to get into the scoring column 2-1. In the final minutes the Bruins and Lions traded possessions and shots before the final buzzer gave the Bruins a 2-1 victory over Emmanuel.
"We were able to finish two quality opportunities for goals," Coach McCormick said. "Overall I thought it was a step forward going into the season."
The Bruins will play their final scrimmage of the preseason on Monday night when they welcome the CESA (Carolina Elite Soccer Academy) Premier team. The Bruins open the regular season on August 31 when they travel to Southern Wesleyan University for a match with the Warriors.
