The Bob Jones University Bruins fell to the visiting St. Andrews University Knights Thursday night at Alumni Stadium. With the loss, the Bruins dropped to 2-2 on the season.
“We could have done a better job keeping the ball,” said head coach Jesse McCormick. “There are things we do need to work on, but I am excited about this year, I am excited about the group of guys we have.”
The Bruins had a difficult time adjusting to the Knights’ explosive offense at the beginning of the game. SAU Midfielder Manuel Escalera struck first to put the Knights up 1-0 in the first minute of the match. In the 15th minute, Escalera capitalized again, giving the Knights a 2-0 advantage. BJU’s Garrett Martin got a quality shot off, but it was saved by the Knights’ goalkeeper Leandro Custodio.
The Knights capitalized on a corner kick with 10 minutes left in the half, as the Bruins defense allowed an own goal. The Bruins’ starting goalkeeper Andrew Kester was hurt in the play, so Philip Gibble came on and finished the game. With five minutes left in the first half, Stephen Grider assisted Matt Moore as the Bruins closed the gap to 3-1.
As the second half began, the Knights regained control with an early goal by Julio Rico. The Bruins fought hard but were unable to crack the Knights’ stingy defense. Ryan McCarty shot a rocket off the post, and John Wilson and Marvell Lareshe each had shots slide just over the crossbar late in the game. The Bruins’ effort never waned, but the Knights held on for the 4-1 victory.
“We did a lot better second half, but it’s the simple things like completing our passes and individual mistakes that will get us ready for next game,” Lareshe said.
Coach McCormick said that going into Tuesday he wants to keep the ball moving as the Bruins attack and develop more rhythm within the offense.
The Bruins will take on Reinhardt University on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
