Box Score Despite trailing by a lone goal at the half, the Bruins allowed 4 goals in the second half to #3 Shorter University to fall in the opening round of the NCCAA regional playoffs 5-0. "We could not keep the ball in transition and that hurt us in this match," Coach Jesse McCormick said.
The Bruins entered the playoffs with a 5-12 record and secured the #7 seed for the NCCAA DI South region. Their opponent would be the Shorter University Hawks who finished their regular season at 9-10-1. The November air was cold and crisp as the Hawks and Bruins took the field in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.
In the opening minutes, both teams adjusted to the cooler temperatures to try to establish momentum and possession. The Bruins had several opportunities as Travis Woodham had two shots on frame in the first half. The Hawks would counter with opportunities of their own but Joseph Wooster was up to the task making several great saves.
Just before the half, the Hawks broke the scoreless draw off of a rebound shot by Fernando De Barros to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Bruins struggled to keep possession and gave the Hawks several offensive chances. Shorter took advantage less than 10 minutes into the second half as they scored from the top of the box to make it 2-0. Less than two minutes later, the Hawks scored on a far post shot by Charlie Dennis to go up 3-0.
From there, the Hawks turned up the offensive pressure and barraged the net with shots. The Bruins had limited opportunities throughout the remainder of the half as the team looked for the answer. The Hawks used late goals in the 84th and 87th minute to seal the 5-0 victory.
"I am looking forward to spring training," Coach McCormick said.
With the loss, the Bruins were eliminated from the NCCAA DI South regional playoffs. The team finishes the year at 5-13, and experienced their first losing season in program history. The Bruins have a strong group of young players returning and will look to build on this season in the coming years.
