The Bruins edged #5 Crown College 3-2 in the opening pool play match of the NCCAA DII National Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida on Tuesday. Samuel Gaddis proved to be the hero for the Bruins as the freshman scored in the 84th minute to lift the team to the victory.
"I am so proud of our guys to show the character that we did in this game," Bruins Head Men's Soccer Coach Greg Fulton said. "We were pushed a lot today and had to fight in this game. We know at this tournament there is not going to be an easy road so I am proud of the guys for battling to get this win."
The Bruins came into the national tournament as the defending national champion while also being seeded #1 overall. Their opponent on Tuesday would be the #5 seeded Crown College Polars who came into the tournament after winning the North region championship.
In the opening minutes, the Bruins came out strong with good possession as they created several chances in the attacking third. It didn't take long for the Bruins to break into the scoring column as Rylan Boldt redirected a centering pass into the back of the net to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead just three minutes into the game.
The Bruins looked to add to their lead as they again continued to attack the net. Conley Burk would ricochet a shot off the post before Boldt nearly netted his second goal with a close chance. Still, the score remained 1-0 as the first half continued.
In the 19th minute, the Polars would even the score as Tim Jaegar maneuvered through the Bruins defense to net the goal and tie the score at 1-1. The two teams went back and forth exchanging chances before the halftime buzzer sounded with the score tied at 1-1.
In the second half, both teams came out looking to gain the upper hand. Just six minutes into the half, Gasheed Lareche scored off a rocket shot near the end line as he lifted the Bruins to a 2-1 lead.
The goal gave the Bruins a spark as the team continued to possess well but couldn't add to their lead. The Polars were able to again find the equalizer as Joaquin Silva scored off a loose ball in the box to even the score at 2-2.
The clock continued to run with each team knowing the next goal would likely be the game-winner. In the 84th minute, the Bruins got a free kick awarded after a foul was called just outside the box on the Polars.
With just minutes remaining, freshman Samuel Gaddis took a confident strike as his shot bent into the upper corner of the net to give the Bruins a 3-2 lead. The Bruins players went crazy as the team had found the late goal to gain the upper hand.
The Polars came back looking to find the equalizer but the Bruins stood strong late and turned away opportunities. As the final buzzer sounded, the Bruins were able to hold off the Polars as the team captured an opening 3-2 win in the tournament.
"I never our guys' will to win," Coach Fulton said. "We had a fantastic season but that just gives us the opportunity to compete here at the national tournament. Now, we need to get some rest and recovery and come back ready for another tough match on Thursday."
The Bruins out shot the Polars 15-7 in the match including a 10-6 margin on goal. Next up, the Bruins will play their final pool play match on Thursday as the team faces #4 Randall University in a rematch of the 2021 national championship match. Game time is set for 12 p.m. in Kissimmee, Florida.
