Samuel Gilbertson
Guest Writer
On Saturday afternoon, the Bryan men’s soccer team defeated the Point University (Atlanta, GA) Skyhawks. The Lions shut out the Skyhawks 3-0 in front of a large crowd attending the Homecoming events over the weekend.
Although Bryan (7-4-1, 2-1-1 AAC) had many shots on goal early in the game, it wasn’t until the 39th minute that senior forward Andrew Knighten scored the first goal of the game. Point University (8-4-1), formerly known as Atlanta Christian, was seemingly overmatched the entire game, but Bryan was not able to gain a comfortable lead until the second half.
Junior defender Jordan Devlin felt the team played well in the second half but didn’t make the most of the opportunities they had.
“We played pretty solid and possessed the ball well in the second half, but we didn’t convert our chances [to goals]. That’s pretty much been the story of the season so far,” he said.
With 23 minutes left, sophomore midfielder Pierce Kiembi scored an impressive header off of freshman midfielder Gustavo Angel’s cross that increased Bryan’s lead to 2-0. Angel then scored the third and final goal of the game with nine minutes left off a penalty kick after Devlin was fouled within the box.
Bryan’s defense gave a valiant effort in their first game without defender Harry Sherwood, who injured his hamstring in the previous game on Wednesday against Union College. While there is not a definite timetable for Sherwood’s return, the senior captain said he was most likely out for the rest of the season–a severe blow to Bryan’s postseason hopes.
Injuries and suspensions have thoroughly depleted the Lions’ depth. However, they have seen improvement from the players who have been thrust into the starting positions, such as sophomore keeper Mark Price, who recorded his first shutout.
On Wednesday, Bryan faces tough conference foe Reinhardt University (6-3, 2-2 AAC) from Waleska, GA. The Lions realize that it will be a much more difficult game than their last win.
“We still need to pick things up for Reinhardt,” said junior defender Taylor McFerran. “They are ranked 19th in the nation for the NAIA, so we’re going to have to bring the same intensity we had against Lindsey Wilson.”
Bryan showed outstanding effort in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat on Sept. 24 to the currently undefeated national powerhouse, Lindsey Wilson (Columbia, Ken.)
This Wednesday the Lions hope to build on their improved play of late, winning three of their last four games—the fourth being a draw. The game is at home and begins at 7 p.m.
[Triangle photos by Jacob Miles]
