The Lady Bruins soccer team opened the 2019 season at home on Saturday evening as they welcomed the Salem College Spirits to Alumni Stadium. The Spirits spoiled the debut for the Bruins as a goal in each half propelled Salem to a 2-1 victory. The Bruins rallied late to get a goal and nearly added the equalizer in the closing moments, but it wasn't enough as the team moves to 0-1 to start the season.
"We wanted to get better control in the midfield third and had to deal with the pressure they gave us," Bruins Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "We got off to a slow start but I thought we got some good minutes out of players that really stepped up. Hats off to Salem as they played a great game to get this win."
From the opening kickoff, the Bruins and Spirits went back and forth as each tried to control the pace of the game. The Bruins were able to get sustained possession in the midfield thanks to Bailey Martin and freshman Jenna Bishop. Despite the good ball movement, the Bruins couldn't get any sustained rhythm in the attacking third which also exposed them defensively.
The Spirits took advantage as Baylee Greenwood opened the scoring in the 13th minute of the game as she scored on a broken defensive play to put Salem up 1-0. The Bruins tried to respond but offensive runs were quickly turned aside as the team didn't record a single shot in the opening half. As the halftime buzzer sounded, the Bruins knew they needed to make adjustments as they went into the break trailing by one.
In the second half, the Bruins came out looking to find the equalizer. The team was able to advance into the attacking third as freshman Brinkley Adams created several runs through the Spirit's defense. The Bruins were gaining momentum, but that changed in the 58th minute as Ellie Montes scored on a beautiful strike to give the Spirits a 2-0 lead.
Just moments later, the Spirits had a chance to increase their lead as a foul in the box awarded a penalty shot. Bruins keeper Angelina Martin was up to the task as she saved the PK to keep the score 2-0. That save sparked a fire in the Bruins as they team went on the offensive looking to get on the board, but time wasn't on their side.
The Bruins were able to generate several good looks and finally broke into the scoring column in the 79th minute of play as Emma Walker scored with a rocket shot into the upper left corner of the net to make the score 2-1. With renewed energy, the Bruins came right back on the attack and nearly notched the equalizing goal but time wouldn't allow it as the Spirits held on for a 2-1 win.
"That goal was huge for us because we hadn't scored a goal in the preseason and overall I thought we finished the game strong," Coach Carmichael said. "We have a lot of young players and new players and we just have to mesh with the rest of the team. It's a process and it will come. The way we played was a good way to start the season we just have to get more goals and create more shots on goal."
The Bruins were outshot 14-4 in the match including a 6-2 on goal margin. Angelina Martin made several great saves throughout the match to keep the score close. In the end, the Bruins just couldn't capitalize on their scoring chances as the team moves to 0-1 to start the season. Next up, the Bruins will host Greensboro College on Monday evening at Alumni Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
