Box Score The Skyhawks spoiled the Lady Bruins home opener on Saturday night as two late 2nd half goals gave Point University a 2-1 win over Bob Jones University. "It's been a problem for us this season in that we are doing okay on possession side and creating good opportunities in the attacking third but we are not recovering on the runs and just don't have the sense of urgency," Bruins coach Chris Carmichael said. "We need to get that tightened up and we need to get more urgency on the defensive side of the ball."
The Bruins had several golden opportunities
but failed to capitalize in the 2-1 loss to Point University.The Bruins came into the match at 1-2 on the season and were looking to climb back to .500 in front of the hometown faithful. In the beginning stages of the match, the Bruins possessed well and were able to work the ball up the field to get into position to score. Point countered with the play of Celly Ruiz as she rifled off three shots in the first ten minutes of the match.
The Bruins and Skyhawks went back and forth with both teams trying to find the upper hand. In the 17th minute, Mimi Lozano had an opportunity for the Bruins but the shot sailed just wide. Kristen Haertlein played well for the Bruins in the opening half as she recorded 4 saves while keeping the Skyhawks grounded. At the break, the half ended as it had begun with a 0-0 score.
In the second half, both teams played with a sense of urgency as each realized that one goal could prove to be the difference. The Bruins had a golden opportunity early on as Spencer Martin fed a through pass to Abby Davis, but the pass was tipped out just in time to prevent the goal.
At the midway point of the half, the Skyhawks finally broke the scoreless draw as Celly Ruiz fought for possession just outside the box and turned around with a rifle low shot just past the outstretched arms of Kristen Haertlein to put Point up 1-0. About 5 minutes later, the Skyhawks struck again as Vanessa Stewart bent an arching shot over Haertlein to make it 2-0.
With just minutes remaining, the Bruins threw their offense into high gear desperately looking to get back in the game. The Skyhawks turned away each threat as their defense continued to stand strong. Spencer Martin finally broke through in the 89th minute as her low shot squeaked through the goalkeeper's hands to put the Bruins on the board 2-1. Unfortunately, the surge was too late as the Bruins couldn't find the equalizer as Point held on for a 2-1 victory.
"We have some systematic problems that have come up that we need to work out and we're going to work on that this week," Coach Carmichael said. "It was a tough loss in that we controlled most of the game and the other team did a great job of finishing their opportunities. We just have to work harder."
Spencer Martin recorded her 2nd goal of the season as the Lady Bruins fell to 1-3 on the year. The team possessed well throughout the match, but were outshot 13-8 in the game. Next up, the Bruins will be on the road as they travel to Montreat College on Monday night.
