From Toccoa Falls, Georgia, the Bob Jones University men's soccer team fell in a 2-0 decision to Pensacola Christian College in the NCCAA DII South Region Championship match. Despite outshooting the Eagles 19 to seven, a couple of defensive breaks allowed the Eagles to net two goals and take home the region championship title.

"Where to begin. We leave this game with our heads held high," said Head Coach Greg Fulton. "The team played their hearts out in a tough and physical match which unfortunately came down to moments. They took their two chances of the game while we failed to make our many chances count. We constantly say that we want everything we do, regardless of our result to glorify God as He and He alone has given us the bodies and minds to play this beautiful game. Soccer, much like life, has ups and downs and while I don't believe the result is just based on the game, we must accept it and start our grind for the next season." 

After a break on Friday, the Bruins entered today's championship match following a 5-0 victory over Johnson University FL on Thursday night. Asher Aurednik opened the scoring for the Bruins at the end of the first half before the Bruins sealed their victory with four second half goals by four different Bruins players. 

Following the Bruins match on Thursday, Pensacola took to the field in a semifinal match against Trinity Baptist College. After exchanging goals, the Eagles secured their spot in the final with a goal by Lourenco Goncalves in the 78th minute to beat Trinity Baptist 4-3.

As today's region final got underway in Toccoa Falls, Georgia, the Bruins saw their first opportunity of the game in the 12th minute as they earned a free kick on the near side of the field. Mario Figueroa sent the ball towards the net, but Eagles goalkeeper Bryce Hammond bumped it away from goal. 

Just a few minutes later, the Bruins worked to clear the ball out of their side of the field, but the ball bounced off the head of an Eagles player to Lourenco Goncalves who turned and chipped the ball over the head of Bruins keeper Cameron Braswell to take the 1-0 lead.

In the 55th minute, the Eagles passed the ball right in front of the net where Jacob Bundy sent the ball towards the top corner of the net. Goalkeeper Cameron Braswell stretched and pushed the ball out of the net, but it landed right at the feet of Reid Rhodes who shot it into the back of the net to double the lead for Pensacola. 

Throughout the rest of the half, the Bruins continued to send the ball towards the net, but were unable to convert on their chances. At the final whistle, the top-seeded Bruins fell in the upset to #2 Pensacola Christian College 2-0.

"God is good and we are forever thankful to our Him, our University, and all our amazing fans for their love and support," said Fulton. "We will be back."


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