Box Score It looked like the Bob Jones University Bruins were on the verge of snapping their four-game losing streak, but a goal in overtime by Columbia International University handed the Bruins a 2-1 loss on the road in Columbia Thursday night.
"This was a very hard fought match for us," Coach Jesse McCormick said. "I am very proud of how our guys played."
The Bruins and Rams had met earlier in the 2014 season with the Rams winning handily 4-1 in Greenville. The Bruins were looking to exact some revenge against their cross-state rival as they took the field under the crisp Columbia sky.
In the opening minutes, the Bruins and Rams exchanged possession and shots on frame with both teams looking to strike first. Bruins' goalie Joseph Wooster came up with some big saves throughout the half to keep the Rams off the board. On the offensive end, the Bruins tried to execute crisp combination play to generate lanes to score. Despite the efforts of both teams, the half ended as it began with a 0-0 score.
The Bruins would be without Joseph Wooster for the remainder of the match as the senior re-aggravated an injury. Andrew Kester was subbed in for the remainder of the game for the team.
"We need to keep growing in the details of defending," Coach McCormick said. "We had some times of really good ball movement throughout this match and we just needed more consistency with that."
In the second half, the Rams would break the scoreless tie as Paul Grandacarpio buried a well-placed shot for the Rams to put CIU up 1-0. The Rams then went on the defensive to try to keep the Bruins from gaining the equalizer. Their efforts would fail in the latter part of the half AJ Redlinger came through in the clutch for the Bruins to draw the game back even at 1-1.
As the final buzzer sounded, the fans would be treated to more soccer as the two teams prepared for overtime tied 1-1.
In the overtime period, the Rams used a series of good combination play and were able to take advantage as Paul Grandacarpio notched the overtime goal to steal the match 2-1.
"Things are coming together at the right time going into the playoffs," Coach McCormick said. "This was a frustrating loss but it is a good stepping stone for us going into the playoffs."
With the loss, the Bruins fall to 5-11 on the season. The team finishes the regular season and will begin preparations for the NCCAA DI South regional playoff which will begin in two weeks.
