Box Score
The Lady Bruins couldn't complete the comeback in the second half as the team dropped their 4th straight match with a 3-1 loss to North Greenville University on Tuesday night in Tigerville, South Carolina.
"Our possession was solid and we were able to consistently get into the attacking third," Bruins Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "The score didn't reflect the control we had during many parts of the game and we are starting to get to the level we need to be at to be successful."
It has been a tough start to the 2017 season for the squad as the team has battled through seven straight road matches while playing one of their toughest schedules to date. Still, the team was hopeful they could come away with a win against the Crusaders who came into the match with a 2-3-1 record.
As the match began, the Bruins were able to push the ball ahead as they used good passing to create scoring lanes towards the net. Caralise Roach had two shots in the opening minutes but both shots sailed wide. Abby Davis was able to break free as well early on but her shot was saved by the keeper. The Crusaders began to mount a counter attack as they pressured the Bruins net with shots but both teams remained scoreless.
In the 28th minute, the Crusaders would strike first as Michaela Gleed put NGU up 1-0. The Bruins tried to find the equalizer as Abby Davis and Kaitlyn Hummel each had scoring chances, but the Bruins went into the break trailing 1-0.
The Bruins came out in the second half looking to draw even as they again used good combination play to free up shots on goal. In the 63rd minute of play, Tori Owens extended the lead for the Crusaders with a goal as NGU lead 2-0. The Bruins refused to quit and came right back. Abby Davis finally put the Bruins into the scoring column as she netted her second goal of the season to cut into the deficit 2-1.
With the game winding down, the Bruins knew they needed to be aggressive to try to send the game to extra time. That push offensively left them exposed on defense as the Crusaders took advantage with a goal in the 78th minute to increase their lead 3-1. Despite several last attempts, the Bruins weren't able to score as they fell to North Greenville 3-1.
"We just need to eliminate a few critical and poorly timed mistakes but that's life and our spirits are high and ready for our next matches," Coach Carmichael said.
With the loss, the Bruins fall to 1-6 on the season. Next up, the team will play their home opener on Saturday night as they battle John Wesley University at 4 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
