Bryan improves to 2-0 in conference play with win over rival
September 18, 2007
Bryan 2, Covenant 1
Bryan College came into Tuesday night's matchup with Covenant with much on the line as both teams have not tasted defeat within the conference this year. On a beautiful evening in Dayton, this classic rivalry match certainly maintained the drama that has become its trademark through the years. One would be hard pressed to find a better small college rivalry in men's soccer.
Bryan 2, Covenant 1
Bryan College came into Tuesday night's matchup with Covenant with much on the line as both teams have not tasted defeat within the conference this year. On a beautiful evening in Dayton, this classic rivalry match certainly maintained the drama that has become its trademark through the years. One would be hard pressed to find a better small college rivalry in men's soccer.
The build-up to this year's game was, perhaps, the biggest this campus has ever seen. Banners flew high in support of the Lions; students in a sea of red "Beat Covenant" shirts filled classes and professors cancelled classes (although we won't name any names). Sportstalk 102.3 set up outside the Latimer Center and broadcasted all afternoon leading up to game time with Coach Zensen and others interviewed. The atmosphere for the match was electric as match time approached. As the teams warmed up for the match, Bryan fans began to fill the hillside and stands. Covenant fans arrived in a sea of blue painted faces and the screeching sound of bagpipes and marched down into the left side of the stands. Curiously, they outnumbered the Bryan faithful.........but that would not last long. The moment the national anthem, sung beautifully by members of the Bryan College Chorale, came to a close, an army of red warriors came charging out of the woods in what looked to be a scene out of Braveheart and absolutely filled the stands, vastly outnumbering the Covenant faithful. The stage was set...game on.
The game got underway with a rush of adrenaline for both sides. The Covenant Scots had come to play and forced the action early. Fifteen minutes into the first half, sophomore Curt Hays delivered a ball into the box, which Diego Taucano took off his chest and one-timed a shot past a frozen Jeremy Dewatos to put the Lions in the lead 1-0. Nine minutes later, Scott Davidson held a ball up in the box and turned his man at the edge of the box, only to be fouled from behind to give the Lions a penalty kick. Davidson stepped up and delivered. Halftime score: Bryan 2, Covenant 0.
The second half got underway with Bryan fending off a Covenant team that continued to press. Both teams had opportunities to score but were unable to convert. In a somewhat physical match, six yellow cards were handed out. Covenant continued to push forward in an attempt to score and was rewarded, with 11 minutes to go, with a goal by Julian Allgio. The final 11 minutes had all the drama of a big match as the Lions fought hard to repel the momentum that had swung to the Covenant side. Goalkeeper Carlos Sanchez had several quality saves down the stretch with one huge, point-blank save on the edge of the six yard box that preserved the win for the Lions. His efforts on swallowing up crosses and shot blocking late in the game were a key to the victory for the Lions. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Bryan faithful rushed the field and celebrated a win that put their Lions in first place in the AAC conference and maintained their unbeaten conference record.
Several players that deserve a word are Senior Kyle Wagley, who played through a calf muscle injury that was a game time decision, gave us 80 quality minutes. Senior Nate McCown and James Carmichael anchored the center back positions. A bright spot for the Lions was freshman Ricky Angel who came off the bench for valuable minutes anchoring the center midfield alongside Jacobo Gallardo.
The Lions players stood with arms draped over their rivals after the match as both teams circled up for a prayer celebrating the gift of life and the ability to compete in this environment where two quality institutions seek to honor the One who has granted each of us that gift.
Bryan now stands at 8-1 (2-0 AAC) and will host Spalding University from Kentucky on Saturday, September 22nd.