Box Score
The Bruins and Eagles made it a region championship to remember, but Trinity Baptist College wouldn't be denied as the Eagles captured their third straight region championship with a 2-1 overtime win over Bob Jones University in Kissimmee, Florida.
"I could have done some things differently that may have given us more opportunities for success," Head Coach Jesse McCormick said. "We played at well at times and created some good movement, but the first half we didn't play well and we allowed them to have most of the play."
The Bruins came into the match as the #1 seed and were playing with a lot of confidence after a dominant 7-0 win over #4 Toccoa Falls College on Thursday night. The Eagles came into the match as the #2 seed int he region, but the team was playing well after a 2-1 victory over Pensacola Christian College. The two top teams in the country were ready to take the pitch with the region title on the line.
In the opening minutes, both teams traded possession as each tried to feel out the other's style of play. The Bruins struggled to get anything going offensively as the Bruins had some opportunities to score, but few quality chances as the scoreless draw continued. The Bruins then got their break as Donovan Lewis played a dangerous ball into the box which was redirected into the goal as an own goal by the Eagles. This allowed the Bruins to take a 1-0 advantage. The Eagles came back on the counter, but the Bruins defense stood strong as they went into the half up 1-0.
As the second half began, the Bruins knew they were just 45 minutes away from their first region championship. But the Eagles had championship hopes as well and it showed as they came out strong and began to pressure the Bruins net. The Eagles would find the equalizer with about 12 minutes to go in the match as they tied the game at 1-1. Both teams had chances in the remaining minutes, but the final buzzer send the match into overtime with the Eagles and Bruins deadlocked in a 1-1 battle.
In the overtime period, both teams balanced their offensive attack with being smart defensively. The Eagles then found the lane they were looking for as they scored the overtime winner to win the match 2-1. The Eagles rushed the field in excitement as they took the region title.
"We certainly have room to improve," Coach McCormick said. "We are hopeful for the at large bid to the national tournament that would give us a chance to see Trinity again in the national tournament."
The Bruins and Eagles were nearly even in the stat line, but in the end one goal proved to be the difference. With the loss, the Bruins fall to 6-9 on the season and will await to hear if they will be one of the teams selected for the at large bid to the national tournament. Before nationals, the Bruins will have two remaining road games on their schedule. Next up, the Bruins will travel to Columbia International University on Thursday night.
