Box Score
Despite gaining the lead in the first half, the Bruins fell in a tough 2-1 overtime loss to Piedmont College on Thursday night. "We started the game slow but had some times of really good movement," Head Coach Jesse McCormick said. "We also had some good looks on goal, but unfortunately we were only able to finish one of them."
The Bruins entered the game after playing a partial match against Johnson and Wales University to open the season August 27. Unfortunately, that game was cancelled due to weather despite the Bruins leading 2-0 in the match. Weather would again play a factor in Thursday's match as the team battled the Lions.
From the opening kickoff, the two teams went back and forth trying to establish pace and possession. In the 18th minute, the Bruins got on the board first as Jared Simmons bent a beautiful shot just outside the 18 to put the team up 1-0. Just then, weather caused the game to be delayed for several minutes as both teams were removed from the field of play.
After play resumed, the Lions came roaring back looking for the equalizer. They found it courtesy of a defensive miscue as Victor Munoz fired a shot past Bruins' keeper Andrew Kester to tie the game at 1-1. Despite several chances by both teams the game was tied at the half.
In the second half, the rain continued to pour as both teams looked to gain the upperhand. The Bruins were able to generate good looks on frame, but the shots continued to sail just wide. As the game continued, each shot became that much more crucial as the seconds continued to tick away. Neither team was able to score in the second half sending the game into overtime.
In the overtime period, the Lions rode the energy of their home crowd and advanced into the attacking third. Cristian Alegria rifled a shot which ricocheted off the crossbar. The rebound fell right to Lions forward Tommy Hill as he headed the ball into the back of the net to seal a 2-1 victory and hand the Bruins their first loss of the season.
The Lions outshot the Bruins 15-9 throughout the match. Andrew Kester made 9 saves throughout the night and still played a great match despite the loss. Next up, the Bruins will welcome Southern Wesleyan University to Greenville on Saturday night.
