With both teams hungry for their first win of the season, it was a high intensity game from both Bob Jones University and Piedmont University, but the Bruins and Lions defensive lines held strong to come away with the 0-0 draw in Demorest, Georgia. Following Thursday's match, the men's soccer team now sits 0-2-1 on the season.
"Tonight's match was all about improvement," said Head Coach Greg Fulton. "Our team did exactly what I asked them to do and that was to not give up any goals. We are constantly looking to improve realizing that we are in a marathon of a season and not a sprint. It's easy to get lost in a record, but our focus this year is to come together as a unit and the record will take care of itself."
The men's soccer team came into tonight's game after a disappointing home opener loss on September 10 to Brevard College. Their opposition Thursday night, the Piedmont University Lions, also entered tonight's game winless after a tough weekend loss to go 0-3-1.
Bob Jones looked for an early lead, but the Piedmont University defense kept the Bruins off the board. In the 14th minute, Jarrett Scott of the Lions flicked one to the back corner of the net but Chris Monczewski came up big to make the incredible save.
Both teams kept knocking, but the score remained deadlocked after the first 45 minutes of play.
After the break, Piedmont University got out to a quick start looking to strike first, but momentum shifted in favor of the Bruins soon after a couple good looks on goal.
The defense was stout as both side continued to keep the other off the board despite great goal-scoring opportunities.
Bob Jones put five shots on frame in the second half, with several near misses, but as the time ran out the score remained 0-0 for the draw.
"While we will celebrate this small defensive victory, we realize we must capitalize on our chances to win," said Fulton. "Statistically we won this game but we must take our chances. Now we focus on a tight turn around against a really tough opponent on the road."
As the team battled on the field, the game ended with the Bruins outshooting their opponent 22 to 9, their highest of the season.
Up next for the men's soccer program, the team will travel to Cleveland, Georgia to take on Truett McConnell University Saturday night.
