Box Score
In a hard-fought match, one goal can often be the difference in deciding the game. That was certainly true on Tuesday night as Emmanuel College scored the lone goal to capture a 1-0 victory over the Bruins in Franklin Springs, Georgia.
"Overall, I felt like our guys worked hard as a team for 90 minutes," Head Coach Jesse McCormick said. "Even though we didn't get the result we were hoping for, we continued to work hard."
The Bruins have struggled in the 2016 season, but the team has had one of the most difficult schedules in program history. They entered Tuesday's match with a 1-5 record after suffering a 3-1 loss to St. Andrews University last week. The Lions have had similar struggles in the 2016 campaign as they entered the match with a 1-5 record. Both teams were looking to notch their second win of the season as they took the pitch.
In the opening minutes, both teams traded possession as each tried to establish a rhythm of play. The Lions got on the board first thanks to a broken play in which a deflection fell right to the feet of Sean Fitzgerald as Emmanuel College took a 1-0 lead. The Bruins came right back as Jared Simmons had back to back opportunities early on but his shots sailed wide. The Bruins continued to move the ball into the attacking third as they created several more chances on frame. Still, they couldn't find the back of the net as they went into the half trailing the Lions 1-0.
As the second half began, the Bruins were desperate for the equalizer. The Lions stood strong defensively as they jumped in front of shots to block would-be opportunities. Stephen Grider tried to mount an offensive spark for the Bruins as he had several shots on frame in the second half but the Bruins couldn't seem to find the back of the net. With the clock winding down, the Bruins mounted one last effort for the equalizer but the Lions were up to the task as they held on for a close 1-0 victory.
"We have a great group of guys," Coach McCormick said. "We just need to keep our heads up and play as a team. The results will come."
With the loss, the Bruins fall to 1-6 on the season. The team was edged in shots on the night 13-9 but had five shots on frame to Emmanuel's six. The Bruins defense had a great match as they held Emmanuel in check throughout the game. Next up, the Bruins will return home for a match against Bryan College on Saturday night at Alumni Stadium.
