With a late goal by Jackson Reinhard, the Bruins beat the University of Toccoa Falls Screaming Eagles 1-0 in another thriller between the two programs.
"I am really proud of how the boys fought tonight," Head Coach Greg Fulton said. "We keep getting into battle after battle this year and in every game we're growing. It is important that we win our region and these games are no longer comfortable. The boys stepped up and did a great job controlling the game and finding a way to win, which is most important. In no way are we satisfied and we will continue to grow into our tournament. Ultimately, we know every region matchup will be a war and that is how we are preparing."
Coming into tonight, these two teams were arguably the best two teams in the region and in the country. Everyone knew this match would be a thriller with the opposite styles of play. The Bruins possess and move forward, while the Screaming Eagles depend on counter attacks and speed up top. TheÂ
The first half brought opportunities for both teams with those styles of play. Overall, the Bruins had more shots but the Screaming Eagles chances were arguably better. The centerbacks for both squads were incredible tonight. Sam Gaddis and Justin Sealey ,along with the communication from goalkeeper Luke Provenzano, prevented any big shots by Toccoa Falls. The Bruins couldn't convert on any of the nine shots in the first half, and the halftime score was still 0-0.
The second half looked much the same, but with a lot more fouls. Those fouls gave a lot of set pieces to both teams in which the defenses outplayed the offenses again. The Bruins had 10 total corner kicks tonight, seven of which were in the second half. After the majority of a high intensity match, Jackson Reinhard was finally able to scrape one by the goalkeeper in a crowded box to go up 1-0 with five minutes to go. This marks the fifth straight match that Reinhard has scored. Desperation struck for the Screaming Eagles and they were able to get a shot in at the last possible second. It was a great strike, but saved by Luke Provenzano as time expired. The Bruins came away with a big 1-0 win.
The Bruins are now 2-0 against region opponents and are in the driver's seat heading into the match with Pensacola Christian College on October 10. Before that, though, the Bruins are back on the pitch this Friday as they travel to Shaw University for a 1:30 p.m. match in Raleigh, North Carolina.
