Bridgewater, VA- On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 7, the Eagles secured their second consecutive victory at the Bridgewater Soccer Complex in a pivotal ODAC matchup, contributing crucial conference points to Bridgewater’s tally.
With a decisive 1-0 triumph, the Eagles have now clinched two consecutive shutout victories in as many games, a feat largely attributed to the notable performance of junior goalkeeper Charles Schweienfuss. His standout contribution included a remarkable total of five critical saves during the contest.
In this fiercely contested matchup, statistical standouts included sophomore Cole Dunbar with three shots, two of which found the target, and freshman Ali Malik contributing two shots, one on target. The moment where junior Zach Jarvis’s shot met the post set the stage for Meier’s decisive strike and only shot of the afternoon, scoring the lone goal of the afternoon.
In the early moments of the second half, the Cougars pressed forward with a close miss and a blocked shot. The Eagles countered with a set piece, featuring a leaping save by senior Tyler Yates on Dunbar’s attempt and a corner kick where junior Declan Gallagher’s shot narrowly missed the mark.
Schweinefuss showcased his goalkeeping prowess in the game’s closing moments. Averett fired a shot, and he made a crucial save. Despite a rebound attempt, Schweinefuss deflected the second shot, preserving the scoreless tie. Averett’s hopes were further dashed with a denied free kick, as Schweinefuss secured the game’s parity with under 10 minutes remaining.
“I am proud of the team’s hard work and determination against a strong Averett side,” said Schweienfuss. “Delighted for Meier’s winning goal on his senior day and senior Vincent Marra’s successful comeback after missing games. The clean sheet credits the solid effort of the entire backline. Looking ahead to Randolph Macon, focused on securing another win.”
In the final minutes, Bridgewater College clinched a late 1-0 lead as Jarvis’s free kick rebounded off the post, only to be expertly buried by Meier. Despite Averett’s late offensive reshuffle, their attempts were fruitless, and Schweinefuss’s save secured the Eagles’ hard-fought victory.
“It was incredible to score the game winner on senior day,” said Meier. “I think we played well as a team and got the win as one. This was a big game for us, and I expect us to keep the momentum going forward.”
Bridgewater College secured a slim 12-11 shots advantage over Averett, with Meier’s game-winning goal proving pivotal in this closely contested match. Meier’s strategic prowess highlighted Bridgewater’s ability to capitalize on opportunities for success, turning a closely matched shot count into a narrow victory for the Eagles.
For Marra, having started all nine games he participated in, including this significant matchup. His return from injury showcased resilience, making his presence on a day of personal importance even more meaningful.
“Today was a crucial must-win game,” said Marra. “I’m proud of our team for maintaining high energy, especially on senior night. It was a fantastic first game back, and I’m thrilled to be on the field with the boys again. As the season nears its end, there are high hopes for making the conference tournament. It won’t be easy, but I have confidence that this team will put in the work.”
The Eagles’ latest triumph not only secures their fifth consecutive victory against the formidable Averett side but also maintains an undefeated record in ODAC matches against them since the Cougars were added to the conference in 2021. This impressive achievement underscores the team’s consistent prowess and dominance, particularly highlighted by two resounding wins in the series.
Bridgewater is set to challenge Ferrum on Saturday, Oct. 21, aiming to sustain momentum crucial for their aspirations in making the conference tournament.
