The Bruins control the match and beat the Pensacola Christian College Eagles 3-1 at Alumni Stadium.
"We wanted to control the game like we always do," Head Coach Greg Fulton said. "This game was a step in the season-long journey towards the end goal of at least a Regional Championship."
The first half started as anyone from the two schools would have expected with aggressive offensive chances from both sides. It was the Eagles that struck first with a goal by Jackson Clarke in the 24th minute. As momentum seemed to swing the way of the Eagles, the Bruins won a free kick within striking distance. Eli Solomon delivered it into the box and Jake Provenzano scored a highlight scorpion-kick goal to tie the match 1-1 in the 40th minute. The Bruins may have been content with a 1-1 draw, but substitute Victor Muenapale had a different idea. He broke through the Eagles defensive line and scored in the 44th minute to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
The Bruins continued to control the pace and possession in the second half and found their big first scoring chance in the 55th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick. Dallas Albert took the kick and put it in a good place on net, but was saved by Eagles goalkeeper Bryce Hammond. Then in the 64th minute, the Bruins caught the Eagles defense off guard with a quick throw-in that lead to a goal by Anthony Ruiz assisted by Rylan Boldt. The Bruins held the 3-1 lead until the final whistle and came away with a win against the reigning national champion Eagles.
"Even when they scored, I felt like we still had control and were creating the chances we needed to answer back," Coach Fulton said. "We're thrilled. It's always a great day when you beat PCC and now we know we can compete and beat the top of the nation."
The Bruins play next on October 3 at Alumni Stadium when they take on another NCCAA South Region opponent Toccoa Falls College at 7 p.m.
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