Over 4,000 fans packed into Alumni Stadium on Saturday night and Bruin faithful were not disappointed as the team defeated Columbia International University 3-1. "We pushed through and we were determined to get this win," Forward Stephen Grider said. Grider had one goal and one assist in the win. "We were working together and feeding off each other. We gotta keep winning and keep doing the little things right going forward." 

The energy of the homecoming crowd was electric as the Bruins and Rams looked to write the next chapter off their cross-state rivalry. The match didn't start off the way the Bruins intended as Rams striker Zach Wolfenden made the Bruins pay for an early defensive mistake with a goal to put CIU up 1-0 just three minutes into the game. Alumni Stadium went silent in shock as the Rams players celebrated and cheered.

With momentum on their side, the Rams continued on the attack as they generated several runs on the Bruins defense. But the Bruins back line stood strong as the team looked for the equalizer. The Bruins desperately needed a spark to ignite their offense and get back into the game. Bruins midfielder John Wilson answered the call with an incredible strike to tie the game. The senior received a centering cross from Stephen Grider as Wilson launched off of the ground, twisted his body sideways in mid-air, and smashed the ball off of the far post to tie the game at 1-1. The energy was restored as the fans erupted with the Bruins back in the game. 

The team took control of the momentum and continued to press into the attacking third the Rams. Just minutes later, Stephen Grider gave the Bruins their first lead of the game as he bent a free kick into the bottom of the net to put the Bruins up 2-1. The Bruins were pressing the Rams defenders and running all over the field, playing unselfishly and constantly switching the point of attack. The horn signaled the end of the half as the Bruins had the 2-1 lead.

"We were moving the ball well and using our width," Head Coach Jesse McCormick said. "It really came down to hard play and teamwork. We kinda dropped off in the first half and gave them too much possession so we knew we needed to play well in the second half." 

In the second half, Bruins keeper Andrew Kester was called on a few different times to make saves and he rose to the challenge. Kester blocked a 1-on-1 opportunity as well as a couple long distance strikes. Offensively, the Bruins were able to get several looks on frame but couldn't extend their lead. The Rams had a golden opportunity for the equalizer as CIU was awarded a penalty shot for a Bruins foul in the box. Paul Grandacarpio rifled a high shot on the PK which struck the crossbar and deflected out allowing the Bruins to retain the lead. 

In the 80th minute, the Bruins finally locked up their homecoming win with a beautiful goal by Jared Simmons. The junior forward had a beautiful opposite corner shot to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead. Again the stadium exploded with cheering and the loud noise of vuvuzelas that had been passed out before the game. The Bruins held on for the 3-1 victory. 

"This match helps tremendously with our confidence," Coach McCormick said. "Even how we ended the match by having guys come in playing well and us working together as a team. That chemistry of guys starting and coming off the bench will be huge for us in the playoffs." 

Stephen Grider had one goal and one assist on the night while Jared Simmons scored his team-leading 9th goal of the season. The Bruins and Rams were locked in at 16 shots a piece and evenly split possession in the match. With the win, the Bruins move to 5-8 on the season. The team will await the final seeding for the NCCAA DII South Region playoffs which will begin next week in Kissimmee, Florida.