An exciting second half leads to a big 2-1 win for the Bruins in their home opener over the Pfeiffer University Falcons.
"I was extremely proud of our team for battling through some challenges and coming back from being down 1-0 and winning 2-1 against a very good Pfeiffer team," Head Coach Chris Carmichael said.
The Bruins held decent possession in the first half but had nearly no offensive chances until late into the half. The Falcons, however, were very attack minded firing away 9 shots. All-American goalkeeper Margaret Provenzano had an incredible first half with 7 saves. That helped keep the game scoreless going into halftime where the Bruins made some adjustments.
The second half started with a bang from both sides. The Bruins and Falcons were counter-attacking each other, but both defenses stood their ground for the most part. In the 49th minute, the Falcons had corner kick that resulted in being fouled in the box. They put away the penalty kick, and the Bruins found themselves in a 1-0 hole.
The Bruins' halftime adjustments proved effective, and they started to make better runs up the field. In the 56th minute, the ball was sent up to Lily Davis where she was able to get free from the defender before putting it past the goalkeeper to tie it 1-1. Just four minutes later, Shannon Miller made a similar run up the left wing where Lydia Howell placed a pass perfectly at her feet. After a great initial touch past the defense, she scored to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead.
The final thirty minutes of the match were back and forth with scurrying efforts from the Falcons to tie it. The defenders for the Bruins were strong on the ball and kept the Bruins from danger. The Bruins held on for an exciting 2-1 win in their home opener at Alumni Stadium.
"Our players displayed adaptability and resilience as we made some adjustments at half time," said Coach Carmichael. "Every player contributed in some way to this very important win and will get some rest and get ready for Bryan College this weekend. The work rate and effort in training and games has been outstanding and we have been blessed with another amazing team that never gives up."
Just as Coach Carmichael said, the Bruins now look towards Saturday when they will host Bryan College. Kickoff is at 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
