Box Score
A pair of goals by Mimi Lozano in the first half proved to be the difference as the Lady Bruins soccer team edged Truett-McConnell University 2-1 to improve to 9-5 on the season. "I am proud of our team as they worked incredibly hard to get an important win for us," Head Coach Chris Carmichael said.
The Bruins entered Saturday's match on the heels of a tough 3-0 loss to Newberry College on Thursday afternoon. With several starters returning to the lineup, the Bruins were looking to compete well as they took the pitch at the TMU Soccer Complex in Cleveland, Georgia.
The Bears came out strong in the opening kickoff and began to move towards the Bruins goal. Defensively, the Bruins were able to stand strong as the team turned aside goal-scoring opportunities. Keeper Kristen Haertlein again played a solid match for the team as she made several key saves in the early stages of the half. Although the Bruins didn't have many shots on frame, the team played a smart match and possessed well. In the 18th minute of play, the Bruins would take the lead as they were awarded a penalty kick. Mimi Lozano made a well-placed shot to put the Bruins up 1-0.
The Bears came roaring back looking for the equalizer and they would find it in the 30th minute of play as Abbey Thompson scored to tie the game at 1-1. With the game back even, both teams looked for every opportunity to climb back on top. Lozano again came up with the answer for the Bruins offensively as she scored her second goal of the match in the 35th minute to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead at the break.
"We had to defend well but also knew we needed to create a number of good counter attacks offensively," Coach Carmichael said.
In the second half, the Bruins came out confident as they possessed well to keep the lead. The Bears tried to find open lanes along the Bruins back line, but the defenders matched the attackers step for step. Although the Bears were able to generate nine shots throughout the second half, Kristen Haertlein and the Bruins defense refused to break as the team held on for the 2-1 victory.
"Truett-McConnell is a quality team and very well coached," Coach Carmichael said. "We were able to create opportunities and come away with the win."
Despite being outshot in the match 20-7, the Bruins made the most of their opportunities in the victory. Mimi Lozano had the two goals for the team while Caralise Roach assisted on the game-winning goal. Haertlein made nine saves on the night as the Bruins improved to 9-5 on the season. Next up, the Bruins will be on the road again for a match with St. Andrews University on Thursday afternoon.
