The Bob Jones University Bruins rallied behind three first-half goals en route to a 4-0 victory over the North Greenville University Crusaders on Friday night. "I think overall we are getting the concepts down of what we are trying to do as a team," Coach Jesse McCormick said. "Tuesday in the scrimmage we were a bit disconnected and tonight we played a lot better."

 

Despite the hot August weather, the Bruins and Crusaders played well in the opening minutes as both teams looked to establish momentum. The Bruins quickly used their speed and combination play to move into the attacking third with several great scoring opportunities. In the 19th minute, Bruins defenseman Ryan Beadles fired a shot which deflected off the goalkeeper's hands right to the feet of Lee Nichols who finished the play to put the Bruins up 1-0. Less than five minutes later, the Bruins struck again as John Wilson broke free on a breakaway and beat the keeper with a low corner shot to extended the Bruins lead to 2-0.

"Coach has been stressing the quick combination play as a way to attack," Bruins captain Ryan McCarty said. "At times it worked very well for us tonight. I think we are definitely improving with each practice and each game. We will look to keep on improving and getting better as we start the season." 

McCarty scored the third goal for the Bruins on a rebound after the team was giving a penalty kick opportunity. McCarty's PK was saved initially, but the Bruins midfielder followed up on the rebound to take the Bruins into the half at 3-0. 

"We were moving really well as a team," Coach Jesse McCormick. "Defensively we were playing a lot smarter and making good decisions. It was really helpful to have some of our returning players out there tonight who are used to playing at this level. They've played together a lot in the past which helps as throughout the game we put in our younger guys."

In the second half, the Bruins continued to control possession as the team executed crisp passes to generate open looks on frame. The Bruins defense allowed very few shots as goalkeepers Joe Wooster and Philip Gibble were hardly tested at all throughout the match. 

As the second half was coming to a close, newcomer AJ Redlinger rifled a low bending shot past the keeper on the breakaway to give the Bruins a 4-0 advantage. The final whistle secured the victory for BJU as the team ended the preseason on a high note.   

"We are starting to gel as a team which is great at this point in the year," Coach McCormick said. "At times we can be sharper. Our speed of play is good but it is inconsistently good. We need to be consistently good in our speed of play and decision making."  

The Bruins finish the preseason at 1-1. The team will get back to work in practice next week as they prepare for their season opener on September 6 against the defending NCCAA DI national champion Southern Wesleyan University Warriors.