The Bruins suffered a tough loss on Saturday night as a late goal by Carolina University in the 82nd minute handed BJU a 1-0 loss at Alumni Stadium. With the loss, the Bruins fall to 1-1 on the season.
"Our guys are walking away from here knowing that we let an opportunity slip away tonight," Bruins Head Coach Matt Hotchkin said. "That's a good thing. It needs to sting a little bit. It's a great learning experience for us. I thought we played well and it was definitely an improvement from last year and I think Carolina is improved from last year as well. We'll find our way together."
The Bruins came into the match on the heels of a dominate performance in their season opener with a 9-0 win over Toccoa Falls College. The two teams met once last season with Carolina winning 3-1.
From the opening tip, the Bruins came out with high energy as they went on the attack. Much like they did in their season opener, the Bruins used good combination play and creativity to create open looks on frame.
Just three minutes into the match, the Bruins nearly broke into the scoring column as Eli Solomon received a through pass from Conley Burk and fired a low shot from close range. Carolina keeper Jeremiah Gibbs made a great save to knock the ball away and keep it 0-0.
As the half wore on, the Bruins continued to apply pressure and create scoring chances. Carolina responded with chances of their own but Chris Monczewski made several key saves for the Bruins as the half came to a close with the score tied 0-0.
In the second half, Carolina came out with more energy as they went on the attack. The Bruins defense stood strong as they turned aside opportunities. The game took a turn for the physical as both teams turned up the intensity knowing each possession mattered that much more.
With the game coming to a close, both teams exchanged possessions and opportunities but neither could find the back of the net. In the 82nd minute, Carolina finally broke through as Francisco Tapia scored to pull ahead 1-0.
The Bruins came right back as they looked to equalize. In the closing minutes, the team nearly drew even as Hodari Twishime headed a ball towards frame which was saved by Gibbs as Carolina held on to win 1-0.
"I want us to take this as a learning experience," Coach Hotchkin said. "We gave them the opportunity to receive the ball in a dangerous area. We were already tired and we were running back towards our goal. There were too many chances in the last few minutes where we were running back towards our goal instead of them running towards their goal. It's just a matter of time before you give up an opportunity. This is an opportunity for us to learn and grow as a team."
The Bruins were out shot by Carolina 11-9 in the match, but Chris Monczewski made three saves in the match. Next up, the Bruins will on the road on Tuesday as they travel to Montgomery, Alabama for a matchup with Faulkner University.
