The Bob Jones University women's soccer team soared to a 5-1 victory over Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina to close out the regulars season on a high note. Five different Bruins players hit the back of the net to see the team improve to 10-1-6 on the season.
"The team played an amazing game and were strong in possession and had the gas pedal down the majority of the second half," said Head Coach Chris Carmichael. "The entire team contributed to this win against a very hard working Warren Wilson team. Our possession really opened up space which lead to a number of goal scoring opportunities beyond our goals. This was a great game to let everybody get some minutes as the entire team contributed to this win."
As the Owls kicked off today's game, Elli Cummings moved up the field where she intercepted an Owls pass, dribbled into the box, and sailed the ball top-shelf to score just 10 seconds into the match to give the Bruins the 1-0 lead.
Throughout the first half, the Bruins maintained control as they continued to press. After 45 minutes of play, the Bruins led 1-0 sending eight of their 13 shots on target.
The halftime break didn't slow the Bruins and just six minutes into the next frame Gabriela Gonzalez slid the ball into the back of the net to double the advantage for Bob Jones. Ten minutes later, Rylee Johnson's shot went low to get past the goalkeeper and put the Bruins ahead 3-0. In the 64th minute, Gabriela Gonzalez sent the ball to Myleigh Shaw who scored the fourth goal of the game and earned her first career goal.
Warren Wilson broke the clean sheet and recorded a goal of their own in the 74th minute.
With just minutes remaining on the clock, Abby Nelson netted the one more goal for the Bruins. At the final whistle, the Bruins remained victorious finishing with the 5-1 win.
The Bruins dominated the stat sheet as they finished with 26 shots, 17 shots on goal and eight corners.
When speaking of some of his players, Coach Carmichael said, "Julia Hartzler did a fantastic job controlling our possession and tempo in the midfield. Myleigh Shaw was solid in stretching Warren Wilson and was able to find, create and exploit space that allowed her to penetrate and to be constantly dangerous and was able to notch a goal today."
"Elli Cummings got us off to a great start with a goal in the first 10 seconds of the game," said Julia Hartzler. "In the second half we were able to pick up the pace and find the back of the net on several great runs. We patiently probed the attacking third to find the right space to penetrate. This was a great opportunity to maintain momentum going into regionals."
Myleigh Shaw also commented on the game saying, "the team worked hard and controlled the game very well. It was fun to see the girls be creative to get chances on goal. Each player on the field worked hard and everyone played together. It was great to walk away with a well-deserved win leading into regionals!"
Up next, the Bruins make the trip to Jacksonville, Florida where they begin the battle for a NCCAA South Region Championship later this week.
