Despite scoring several chances throughout the match for both teams, the Bob Jones University Bruins and the Columbia International University Rams ended the match as they began it with a 0-0 draw. With the tie, the Bruins move to 3-4-2 on the season.
"Overall, I thought we did a good job tonight," Bruins Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "This is a strong CIU team and we were able to create some great scoring chances. We love playing this team as they always force us to work hard and be better."
The Bruins came into the match having won three of their last four games. The Rams were looking for a win as the team had dropped two of their last three. Over 700 fans filled Alumni Stadium as the Bruins and Rams took the pitch.
From the opening kick, both teams came out looking to establish pace and tempo. Neither team was able to get a consistent offensive attack going early on as each defense kicked away opportunities. The Rams outshot the Bruins 8-3 in the first half but the score remained 0-0 as the first half came to a close.
In the second half, the Bruins were able to generate some looks offensively as Bailey Martin helped free up scoring lanes with crisp passing. Still, the Rams' keeper was able to turn aside shots. Angelina Martin played a great match for BJU as the freshman keeper came up with a huge save as she blocked the initial shot and made a diving save on the rebound to keep the Rams off the board. The buzzer sounded to end regulation with the match still locked at 0-0.
As extra time began, the Bruins came out strong as they moved the ball into the attacking third. Striker Abby Davis nearly put the golden goal in as she created space and fired a blistering shot towards frame. Unfortunately, the ball hit the crossbar and sailed out. Minutes later, Davis had another opportunity as she intercepted a pass in front of the net but her shot sailed wide right. The Bruins dominated the first extra time period, but the score remained 0-0 with just one more period of extra time to play.
The Bruins and Rams exchanged chances in the final frame, but fatigue began to set in as players weren't able to run full speed to the ball. The Bruins tried to muster one last effort but the shot was turned aside by Rams' keeper Sam Wammock. As the final buzzer sounded, this hard-fought match ended with the score 0-0.
"We had several chances in overtime to finish the game," Coach Carmichael said. "Our team worked really hard and we knew it was going to be a tough game against this team. We have to keep doing what we're doing. When we're possessing well we play better and we did a good job of doing better on the things we talked about improving in the game."
Angelina Martin made 12 saves on the night to capture the clean sheet. The Rams outshot the Bruins 22-17 in the match but the Bruins were able to generate more shots in extra time with a 9-2 margin. Next up, the Bruins will be back in action for two matches next week. First, the team will welcome Emory and Henry College on Tuesday night to Alumni Stadium.
