The #1 seeded Bob Jones University men's soccer team shutout #4 Johnson University FL 5-0 from Toccoa Falls, Georgia. The Bruins opened their post-season campaign with a win to secure their spot in the NCCAA DII South Region Championship game Saturday morning.
"We knew today would be a battle," said Head Coach Greg Fulton. "The region is improving and there are always nerves when you're in a win or go home game. We treated this as a final, and I thought our team played really well. We know this is the first step and are preparing for a tough final this Saturday."
The Bruins came into the NCCAA DII South Region Tournament as the top seed after finishing the regular season 9-4-3 and 1-0-1 in region play.
As today's game got underway, the Bruins looked to get on the scoreboard early. BJU sent shots towards the Suns net throughout the first half, but the 0-0 scoreline held until the final minute of the first half. Rylan Boldt crossed the ball to Asher Aurednik who headed the ball into the back of the net to break the deadlock and put the Bruins ahead 1-0.
After the halftime break, Anthony Ruiz sailed the ball towards the net where Rylan Boldt connected to head the ball into the goal to double the Bruins lead. Looking to add to the score line, the Bruins sent the ball on target. As the Suns goalkeeper looked to scoop up the ball, the ball slipped from his gloves and Ian Arendse was there to poke it into the goal.
In the 66th minute, Johnson University FL received a red card after fouling James McCarty to go down to 10 men.
Mario Figueroa added to the goal count after converting on a penalty kick in the 78th minute. With eight minutes remaining, Will Hotchkin tallied his first goal as a Bruin to put the Bruins on top 5-0.
At the final whistle, the Bruins came out victorious with the 5-0 decision. With today's result, the Bruins will advance to the NCCAA DII South Region Championship match on Saturday morning where they will face off against #2 Pensacola Christian College.
