WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Ave Maria Men's Soccer team played the Carolina Bruins for the first time in program history on Saturday. Despite high emotions coming off their season-opening win, the Gyrenes could not score as they fell to the Bruins 1-0.
Ave Maria had several opportunities to score but could not find the back of the net. With shots coming early from Jose Jacquet at the 3-minute mark, Sava Cadjenovic at the 14
th and 15
th minute, the Gyrenes were getting quality looks at the net.
The Gyrenes outshot the Bruins 9-6, but only four were on goal, and were all saved by the keeper. On the other side of the pitch, the Bruins had only three shots on goal, two of which were saved by goalkeeper Andrija Vujakovic. The one that did get by came in the 32
nd minute. The Bruins held onto the lead for the remainder of the match.
In the second half, Ave Maria outshot the Bruins 8-4. Four of the Gyrenes' shots were on goal, but again they were all stopped by the Bruins' goalie. Vujakovic saved the lone shot on goal the Bruins had in the second half.
Ave Maria's final shot on goal came in the 87
th minute as Nikolas Briceno's shot was turned away by the keeper. Carolina kept Ave Maria from registering another shot as time expired.
With the loss, the Gyrenes fall to 1-1 and make their way back home from the Tar Heel State.
When they return to Florida, it will be a quick turnaround as the Gyrenes gear up to play the Florida College Falcons. This will be the 21
st meeting between the two programs. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on the Florida College Falcons website, the link to which can be found on the Men's Soccer Schedule page.
