Bridgewater, Va. – The Eagles travelled to the campus of Mary Baldwin University on Wednesday afternoon to play their third match of the season. BC entered the match seeking their first win of the season, but defensive troubles saw the Eagles concede twice.  

The Eagles started the match on the front foot, with early chances created down both sides of the field. A front line consisting of junior Trevon Phillips, first-year David Franco and headed by senior Luke Stubbs set the tone with a high press — forcing Mary Baldwin’s backline and midfield into turnovers, which launched several promising counter attacks for the Eagles.  

Against the run of play, Mary Baldwin earned a penalty kick in minute 13 following a scramble inside the box. Sophomore Stephen Blair stepped up to the spot and neatly placed the ball into the left corner, sending first-year goalkeeper Charles Schweinefuss diving the wrong direction. 

“That goal sent a spark of energy and hunger to get the next goal of the game. We had to be more aggressive in attacking their goal and apply more pressure on their backline,” said Stubbs.  

The Eagles offense combined to create seven chances in the first half. The best chance of the half came from a promising through ball service to Stubbs. Stubbs took a wide touch around the keeper and found an open junior Alex Martinez with a cross. 

Martinez sent the shot over the crossbar, but the effort spurred on a more potent attack from the Eagles. Senior Sam Franklin closed the half with a one on one chance, but senior netminder Obdulio Argueta parried the shot wide of the goal for the Squirrels.  

Second half play was wide open, with both teams enjoying a myriad of strong attacks. Wing play down BC’s flanks provided several crosses into the box, but nothing seemed to be connecting for the Eagles in the final third.

Mary Bladwin’s second goal came in minute 78. A long clearance from Argueta split the BC center backs, allowing senior striker Ousmane Dansoko through on goal. Dansoko calmly slipped the ball into the net, handing the Eagles a two goal deficit with 12 minutes left to play.

In the final minutes of play, The Eagles won a corner kick from the right side and a cross into the box had players from both sides scrambling. The Eagles had two shots on target in the sequence from junior James Yeboah and Ramirez — the second of which was put out of play for one last opportunity for the Eagles off another corner. Junior Simon Brun’s cross fell to the feet of sophomore Vincent Marra, but Argueta made his seventh and final save on the shot.

In their most productive offensive game of the season, BC finished with eight shots on goal. Schweinefuss made five saves in the contest, a new career high.  

Stubbs remained confident about the team’s offense after the match. 

“We practice finishing our chances. I trust our coaching staff, and together we will figure it out,” said Stubbs. 

Bridgewater College, seeking their first win of the season, will host Southern Virginia University on September, 14. Conference play opens for the Eagles on September, 25 at Randolph College.