Brinkley Adams returned to the lineup in a big way on Monday night as the freshman scored the go-ahead goal in the second half to help the Bruins win their 4th straight match with a 2-0 victory over William Peace University in Cary, North Carolina. The win was also the third shutout in a row for the Bruins as the team moves to 6-4 on the season.
"Offensive and defensively we had several players step up where they were needed," Bruins keeper Angelina Martin said. Martin finished her third clean sheet in and row making three saves on the night. "We're playing better as a team as the season progresses and hopefully we can work out some remaining kinks out before our next game. I'm so proud of the team for pushing through 90 minutes despite having some players out."
The Bruins would play their third match in the last four days with the team winning back to back matches over the weekend against Piedmont International University and Berea College. William Peace University came into the match with a 2-3-1 record, having won on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Brevard College.
In the opening minutes, the Bruins were able to execute crisp passing and possess well as they moved into scoring positions. Bailey Martin and Mikayla Rajcan were each able to get shots off early on as the Bruin offense played with energy and urgency. Despite outshooting the Pacers 8-4 in the first half, the Bruins couldn't find the back of the net as the half ended as it began tied 0-0.
As the second half began, the Bruins came right back out with good passing as they again worked the ball ahead for scoring opportunities. Brinkley Adams was beginning to find open lanes but her shots were blocked. In the 61st minute, Adams put the Bruins on top as she gathered a loose ball in the box and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the net to put the team up 1-0.
Elated, the Bruins celebrated taking the second half lead but the team was not content as they continued to push for another goal. With time running out, the Pacers came back looking to find the equalizer but the Bruins defensive line stood strong to turn aside chances.
With less than a minute to go, the Bruins gained a corner kick. Mikayla Rajcan bent a beautiful ball towards the net which bounced off Pacers midfielder Gabrielle Jones for an own goal as the Bruins took a 2-0 lead. As the final buzzer sounded just seconds later, the Bruins celebrated as they walked off the pitch with their fourth win in a row.
"We played very well today and every player really stepped up and created lots of opportunities in our attacking third," Bruins Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "This was a great way to end the road trip and now it's time to get some recovery and get ready for the next one."
The Bruins out shot the Pacers 22-12 in the match including a 10-3 on goal margin. Brinkley Adams scored her third goal of the season as the Bruins improve to 6-4 on the season. After playing several matches over the course of the last two weeks, the Bruins will get some much-needed recovery as the team will play their next match on October 4 at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
