Box Score
In a matchup between two of the top teams in NCCAA DII, the #3 ranked Bruins came up short as the team fell to #1 ranked Pensacola Christian College 2-1 in Pensacola, Florida on Friday night.
"We came out flat in this match and they were able to take advantage of the good opportunities they created," Bruins Head Coach Jesse McCormick said. "We needed to do a better job keeping the ball and we were a bit disorganized defensively."
The Bruins and Eagles had met once last season with the Bruins coming back in the second half to win 4-1. The Bruins came into Friday's match with a 4-5 record as the team had won their previous three matches including back to back shutouts over Columbia International University and John Wesley University. The Eagles have been ranked #1 in the NCCAA Top-Ten poll for the last three weeks. The Bruins were looking for the upset as the two teams took the pitch.
From the opening kickoff, the two teams went back and forth as each tried to establish momentum. The Eagles would strike first as Bobby Richardson bent a shot past Bruins keeper Isaac Landry in the 11th minute of play to give PCC the 1-0 lead. The Bruins tried to come back on the offensive, but the Eagles continued to ride the energy of their hometown crowd as they again pushed the ball towards the Bruins net.
In the 17th minute of play, the Eagles added to their lead with a goal from Nick Standridge to give PCC the 2-0 advantage. The Bruins regrouped but the team couldn't capitalize on their offensive opportunities as they went into the break trailing 2-0.
The Bruins came out with more energy in the second half as the team looked to cut into the deficit. Still, the Bruins weren't able to score despite several good looks on frame. At the midway point of the half, the Bruins had a golden opportunity as PCC was called for a foul in the box. Jared Simmons stepped up and took the PK for BJU but his shot was blocked by Eagles keeper Taylor Jensen. The save brought the Eagles crowd to their feet.
As the match began to come to a close, the Bruins pushed forward looking for an opportunity. Karl Walker found Andrew Peterson on the wing and the sophomore scored on a low shot as the Bruins were finally on the board 2-1 with just 13 minutes to play. The Bruins came right back as they went full force towards the Eagles net in search of the equalizer. PCC was able to turn aside opportunities and they continued to cling to a one goal lead. With seconds on the clock, Caleb Myers found space and rifled a shot towards the net but his shot was blocked by an Eagles defender as time expired ending the chances of a comeback. The Eagles celebrated as they held on for a 2-1 victory.
With the loss, the Bruins fall to 4-6 on the season and 1-1 in region play. Next up, the Bruins will be back home on Tuesday night as they welcome St. Andrews University to Alumni Stadium.
