The BJU Bruins men's soccer team saw their five-match winning streak snapped on Thursday night as the team fell to Carolina University 2-0 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With the loss, the Bruins fall to 6-2-1 on the season.
Coincidentally, the last time the Bruins found themselves in the loss column it was to the same Carolina University Bruins on September 19. Carolina used a goal in the late stages of that match to edge the Bruins 1-0 at Alumni Stadium.
Since then. the Bruins have been unstoppable rattling off five straight wins including a 2-0 shutout of Trinity Baptist College on Saturday. The effects of hurricane Zeta changed venues for the match on Thursday but both teams took the pitch in search of a win.
In the opening minutes, possession went back and forth with both teams bringing their energy and pace of play to the match. The Bruins were able to use some good combinations to open opportunities early on as Peter Waddy and Mario Figueroa both had chances on frame.
Carolina would strike first as Govanni Mayas found the back of the net to put CU up 1-0 just thirteen minutes into the game. The Bruins were back on their heels and Carolina took advantage as they continued to pressure the net. Still, the Bruins defense stood strong and keeper Chris Monczewski made key plays for the Bruins as the first half ended with BJU trailing 1-0.
In the second half, Coach Hotchkin made some adjustments as the Bruins came out looking to find the equalizer. The Bruins picked up their tempo and used creative passing sequences to open up lanes to score. The team was able to get several good looks on the goal, but shots sailed just wide or were saved by Carolina.
Conley Burk nearly netted the equalizing goal for the Bruins in the 65th minute but his shot sailed just wide left. The second half continued to wind down and the Bruins continued to pressure as they desperately looked to draw even with Carolina. Their hopes were dashed as Carolina scored a goal in the 88th minute of play to put the game out of reach as the Bruins fell 2-0 in a road loss.
"Tonight was one of those nights where we struggled to do the basics," Bruins Head Coach Matt Hotchkin said. "It was an off night for us and we will need to find our way again."
The Bruins battled hard against Carolina, but were out shot in the match 16-9 but were only edged 4-3 in an on goal shot margin. The Bruins will be on the road again on Thursday night as they wrap up the regular season with a region match against Toccoa Falls College. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
