October 26, 2007

 

     Chattanooga, TN—After defeating the Rams of Bluefield College on Wednesday night in Dayton, the Bryan College Men’s Soccer team traveled to Camp Jordan in Chattanooga on Friday night for an Appalachian Athletic Conference Semi-Final match-up with their biggest rival, the Scots of Covenant College. Earlier in the day, Montreat College defeated King College 1-0 in overtime to advance to the championship game; both Bryan and Covenant were in search of a chance at the tournament championship. 

     Earlier in the season, Bryan defeated Covenant 2-1 at home in Dayton, and the Lions were looking for a repeat performance. The stadium was packed with students from both colleges and the atmosphere was electric as the two rivals were set to square off. As the game began, the two sides played hard, hoping to score early and set the tone. Unfortunately for the Lions, Covenant began the scoring, and continued the assault all night long.

     The game was physical and intense as both sides realized what was at stake: Not only was this at chance at the conference championship, but for the seniors on each side it was a chance to play one more game before ending their careers. Unfortunately Bryan won’t have a chance for either. Before it was all said and done, the Scots would score six goals, to the Lions’ two. It was a sad farewell for Bryan Seniors Manoel Silva, Andres Garcia, Scott Davidson(1 goal on the night), Nate McCown, Kyle Wagley, and Gabe Fisher.

     Long after the contest was over, Bryan students remained, cheering for their beloved Lions and letting the seniors know how much they appreciate them. There were tears of frustration and sadness, looks of disbelief and handshakes and hugs of appreciation for another great season spent on the pitch together. In their four years, Silva, McCown, Davidson and Wagley have each garnered All Conference honors as well as regional and national awards. This year Scott Davidson led the team in goals, and Wagley and McCown were once again two of the staunchest defenders in the AAC. Silva had another solid year creating scoring opportunities and distributing the ball, while Fisher and Garcia contributed solid minutes all year for the Lions. As the 2007 season comes to a close, one thing is certain: this year’s senior class has left its mark on Bryan College, and they will surely be missed.