Box Score The Lady Bruins soccer team dropped their first conference game of the 2015 season as Toccoa Falls College upset BJU 1-0 on Saturday afternoon. "I have the highest confidence in this team that they will get stronger through these experiences," Coach Chris Carmichael said. "We still have a lot of games left and a lot of work to be done."
The Bruins came into the match on Saturday with a 3-6 record having lost back-to-back matches. The Screaming Eagles entered the match with a 4-5 record, having lost 2 of their last 3 games.
The Bruins and Eagles met twice during the 2014 season with each team winning 1-0 in those two matchups. With the two premier teams in the NCCAA DII south region ready to take the pitch, the next chapter of this conference rivalry was about to be written.
The Bruins came out and possessed well in the opening minutes of play as the team looked to work the ball towards the Eagles net. The team had several chances early on as Mimi Lozano was able to fire off several shots, but couldn't find the back of the net. The Eagles countered and moved the ball into position to score. In the 26th minute, the Eagles and caught a break as a deflection off of a shot redirected the ball past Bruins' goalie Jessica Baun to put the team up 1-0. The Bruins tried to find the equalizer but the team went into the break down 1-0.
In the 2nd half, the Bruins hoped their halftime adjustments would help them get back into the game. The Eagles came out and played a much more conservative style as they stacked the box defensively. Although the Bruins controlled the possession throughout the match, the team was unable to get good looks on goal. The team still fought for several chances, but each shot sailed just wide. As the final buzzer sounded, the Eagles had completed the upset for the second straight year and defeated the Bruins 1-0.
"We played a very good match and controlled most of the game but that deflection shot was frustrating," Coach Carmichael said.
With the loss, the Bruins fall to 3-7 on the season. Next up, the team will welcome North Greenville University to Alumni Stadium on Tuesday night.
