A late game-winning goal by defender Celeste Baladi propelled the Bruins to a 2-1 victory over NCAA DII King University. With today's win, the Bruins have improved to 4-0-3 to remain undefeated this season.
"The team really stepped up against a tough NCAA DII King University and improved in many areas that we have been working on," said Head Coach Chris Carmichael. "I am extremely proud of the determination and effort they gave. A special congrats to one of our freshman players, Celeste Baladi, who not only defended extremely well but notched her first goal and turned out to be the game winner."
The Bruins came into today's contest with a week of rest and recovery after a big 3-0 victory at Allen University last Saturday.
As today's game got underway from Alumni Stadium in Greenville, South Carolina, the Bruins looked to gain control early.
After several chances created by the home team, the Bruins finally capitalized. Fresh off the bench in the 24th minute, Gabriela Gonzalez collected the ball on the far side of the field, cut away from a Tornado defender, and shot the ball over the goalkeeper to put the Bruins on the board.
The crossbar spoiled the chances of the Bruins adding to their lead, but after 45 minutes of the Bruins still led 1-0.
Back on the field after halftime, the intensity picked up from both the Tornado and Bruins. In the 87th minute, the Tornado scored off of a corner kick to level the score. But the Bruins didn't back down.
Just one minute later, Celeste Baladi collected the ball at midfield and dribbled up towards the goal. After he initial shot ricocheted off of a Tornado defender, she settled the ball and fired it from outside the box to score and put the Bruins back on top.
The home team held on to their lead in final minutes and after 90 minutes of play finished on top 2-1.
Following the match defender Braden Adams commented, "we had good momentum at the beginning of the game but started to lose it after they scored. But we were able to pull off a quick second goal and hold the lead that led us to an awesome win!"
"I'm so proud of the team for keeping the possession rate high today and never giving up," said defender Abby Arrowood. "We pushed hard in the final four minutes to get a game-winning goal and keep the undefeated streak going."
When speaking of his team, Coach Carmichael said, "Braden Adams, Jane Farr, Jessica Townsend, Abby Arrowood and Ches Peters all played great defense and were extremely aggressive dealing with balls in our defending third. Midge Cummings was once again solid in the goal and continues to keep us in games. Gaby Gonzalez provided great leadership on the field and scored another brilliant goal. The rest of the players did a phenomenal job and we had fantastic support from the bench and fans. We now turn our focus to Monday."
Up next, the Bruins will begin a multi-day road trip as they travel to Kentucky where they will face the University of Campbellsville-Harrodsburg on Monday followed by Centre College and Asbury University on Wednesday.
