The Bob Jones University Bruins women's soccer team wrapped up pool play at the NCCAA National Championship with a hard fought 1-0 win over #4 Trinity College of Jacksonville on Wednesday afternoon in Kissimmee, Florida. With today's win, the Bruins have secured their spot in the championship match on Friday.
After picking up a 4-0 win against #5 Grace Christian University on Monday to open the national tournament, the Bruins were back on the pitch to take on #4 Trinity College of Jacksonville. The Bruins and Eagles met twice earlier this season where the Bruins came away with wins in each contest.
From the opening whistle, the Bruins looked to set the tempo. Despite putting several shots towards the goal, the Bruins were unable to find the back of the net before halftime.
The Bruins attacking momentum grew in the second half. The team put together 17 shots and 10 corner kicks after halftime as BJU continued to pin the Eagles into their defensive third. Multiple Bruins athletes generated opportunities, but Trinity's back line held firm.
The Bruins capitalized in the 67th minute when Francesca Aurednik slid the ball in front of the net where Elli Cummings tapped it in, giving Bob Jones the 1-0 advantage.
Trinity searched for a response, but the Bruins defense held strong, anchored by goalkeeper Margaret Cummings, who recorded three saves in the shutout effort. The Bruins continued to create chances, but the single goal stood as the decider.
With the 1-0 win, the Bruins will now face off against #2 Southwestern Adventist University in the national championship game at 2 p.m. on Friday in Kissimmee, Florida.
"I am extremely proud of the team for grinding through a tough first half where our possession struggled, and we just couldn't get a good rhythm of play," said Head Coach Chris Carmichael. "Despite not playing our best, we were able to create some early scoring opportunities. We regrouped at halftime and had a much better second half and got the goal we needed to advance to the national championship."
Several players also shared their thoughts following the game.
Shannon Miller said, "the first half we struggled to possess as well as we could and lacked some intensity defensively, but still got chances on net that we should have put away. We reflected at halftime and started the next 45 minutes with improved possession and aggression on the defensive side. We had many shots on goal, but we found one, and that's what we'll take. I know we'll go into Friday's match with full intensity and looking to finish more opportunities."
"We didn't play our best soccer today, but we possessed better in the second half and got the win," shared Reagan Tierney. "I'm proud of this team, and that we've earned our spot in the title game for the third year in a row! I wouldn't want to play my last game on Friday with anyone other team."
"We came into this national championship knowing we would have to fight for every game," commented Estrella Cruz. "Every player on this team has been putting in the work to earn each win. Today was no different as we stayed locked in, supported each other, and stepped up in the big moments. We are excited to be moving on to the finals on Friday."
Coach Carmichael wrapped up the day saying, "Trinity College of Jacksonville played with a ton of heart and gave us an extremely challenging match. I'm proud of the effort they put in especially being short-handed. We will now use the time we have to recover and get ready for Friday's final."
