Box Score
The Bruins continued their hot streak on Tuesday night with a 3-0 victory over cross-state rival Columbia International University. The win marked the third in the row and their second straight shutout.
"The team really did well against a good opponent and got a good win," Bruins Head Coach Jesse McCormick said.
Jared Simmons opened the scoring for the Bruins in the 19th minute of play with a calm shot right past the Rams goalkeeper. Throughout the match, the Bruins midfield was able to control possession and distribute the ball effectively. The Rams had a few chances for the equalizer and even had a shot bounce off the post, but the two teams went into the break with the Bruins leading 1-0.
"I felt like our midfielders were outstanding on the offensive side, really helping combine to get things going offensively," Coach McCormick said.
In the second half, the Bruins were able to add two more goals off great passing and teamwork. In the 59th minute of play, Lee Nichols exchanged a give and go pass with Caleb Myers that Nichols chipped past the sliding Rams keeper. Nichols celebrated his birthday today and gave himself a present and the Bruins some insurance with a 2-0 lead.
As the match was coming to a close, Jesse Rush put the exclamation point on the Bruins win as he scored in the 76th minute. Andrew Peterson beat the Rams' defense but his angle was difficult to fire a shot on goal. He passed the ball to a charging Jesse Rush who buried the shot into a wide open goal to give the Bruins a 3-0 lead. Despite several attempts and a called-back goal for the Rams due to offsides, CIU couldn't find a way back into the game as the Bruins held on for a 3-0 shutout.
With the win, the Bruins improve to 4-5 on the season. The team was out shot 23-11 by CIU on the night, but the Bruins matched the Rams 6-6 in shots on goal. Isaac Landry had a strong night for BJU in the net as he made six saves on the night. Next up, the Bruins will play a tough region matchup on the road Friday night as they travel to Pensacola, Florida, for a matchup with #1 ranked Pensacola Christian College.