Despite a strong performance by the Bruins, a late goal by Rinaldi Alphonse gave the USC Spartans a 2-1 victory in the opening exhibition of the 2015 eason. "I was very encouraged by several moments throughout the match which shows what our guys are capable of this year," Bruins coach Jesse McCormick said. "Even though we lost, the possession was even. We had some good periods of possessions, but we can be more consistent in decisions to help us keep the ball."
The Bruins and Spartans would also have to contend with weather throughout the match as the rain hampered offensive outputs for both teams. In the early stages, both teams looked to establish pace and traded possession and chances throughout the opening minutes of the match.
In the 15th minute of play, the Spartans would get on the scoreboard first as James Campbell gained possession in the Bruins box and slid a pass across the middle to Lukas Sommer who buried the shot to make it 1-0 Spartans. Less than ten minutes later, newcomer Karl Walker would equalize the game for the Bruins as he bent a beautiful shot into the upper right 90 to bring the Bruins back.
The Bruins kept up the offensive pressure throughout the remainder of the half, but two great saves by Spartans goalie Hassan Haddad kept the Bruins from gaining the edge as the first half ended 1-1.
In the second half, the rain proved to be the most formidable opponent for both teams in the opening minutes as neither team was able to put together a solid run towards the net. In the 74th minute, the Spartans got a chance on a 3 on 2 attack but the shot sailed just wide. The Bruins responded on the attack just a minute later but Josh Harm's rocket shot was tipped wide.
At the 78 minute mark, the Spartans finally broke through the Bruins defensive wall as Rinaldi Alphonse redirected a free kick opportunity into the back of the net to give the Spartans a 2-1 lead. Despite their efforts, the Bruins were unable to fight their way back into the game as USC Upstate held on for a 2-1 victory.
The Spartans led in shots 13-9 for the match but the Bruins had a strong showing against the NCAA DI opponent. The Bruins will play their final preseason match on Monday night as the team will travel to North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina.
