Bridgewater, VA- On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the Eagles commenced their conference campaign on their home turf, witnessing a total of four goals, with each team scoring two, resulting in an exciting draw to start their ODAC conference journey.
The first half witnessed a fierce showdown between two resolute defenses, each refusing to yield despite the Eagles’ relentless offensive team pressure. During this period, the Eagles generated a total of eight shots, two of which prompted the Hornets’ goalkeeper into making saves, yet none found the mark in the back of the net.
The Eagles brought an end to the scoreless streak just shy of the ten-minute mark into the second half when freshman Trey Widrick initiated a decisive counterattack. In a brilliant display of teamwork, Widrick delivered a pinpoint pass across the box, which was skillfully volleyed into the net by fellow freshman Riley Queen, propelling Bridgewater into a 1-0 lead, leaving ample time on the clock for further action.
“The team had a slow first half but as soon as the second half started, we definitely picked it up and started to play our own game,” said sophomore Cole Dunbar. “We ended up putting one in the back of the net early in the second half. The team’s expectations this year are not losing at home.”
The Hornets wasted no time in mounting a swift response. Mere moments later, a free kick took an unexpected deflection, redirecting the shot into the net to even the score at one apiece.
The second half witnessed an increase in scoring opportunities for both teams. After conceding a goal, the Eagles found themselves on the defensive, and their fortunes would take a downward turn when the Hornets capitalized on a counterattack of their own, securing their first lead of the game.
Bridgewater would have their own response as they created numerous opportunities to score but were unable to capitalize until the 72nd minute. Junior Lestath Savage played a ball across the goal and took a deflection off a Hornets defender, becoming an own goal and tying the game at two.
As the game went on, both teams ramped up the intensity and created more scoring opportunities. The Eagles started generating chances, with junior Declan Gallagher having a shot turned away by the goalkeeper. Freshman Ali Malik made two dangerous runs down the sideline and fired off shots, but both missed wide. In the final minute, Bridgewater earned a free kick but couldn’t get a shot off before time expired, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
“Today I think collectively we were given a wakeup call,” said junior Justin Scott. “The first 45 minutes were a struggle. We came out flat and let them dictate our game, It was a good fight. Unfortunately we didn’t come out with a win, but I’m proud of our guys for stepping up and responding after going down 2-1. We will continue to build off this and our goals towards ultimately winning a conference championship.”
It was a physical match, with four yellow cards issued and 18 combined free kicks. The intensity was palpable as both teams traded fouls back and forth, leading to a heated affair to start ODAC play.
Bridgewater outpaced the opposition in shots by a total of 19-16 and held a slim advantage in shots on goal being nine to seven. Leading the way was Widrick, who fired off seven total shots, putting four on frame, and added an assist as well.
The Eagles will be looking to build momentum as Bleed Crimson Day will be the next game for the Eagles in a highly contested matchup against Averett on Oct. 7 here at the Bridgewater Soccer Complex.
