#23 Bears Capture 3-2 Victory Against Point; Remain Unbeaten at Home

The Bears, who were ranked twenty-third in the nation in that latest NAIA poll, took on the Skyhawks of Point University Wednesday afternoon. On top of a national ranking, the Bears were also protecting an unbeaten record at home for the season. 

The Bears netted the first goal of the match very quickly. In the fourth minute Frederico Divino passed the ball up to Joao Costa who was able to smash the Bears' first shot of the game for a goal. It would not take long for the Bears to have an opportunity to double their lead. In the ninth minute Costa took a free kick near the side line and was able to beat the Point GK by placing the ball towards the far post, and the Bears had a 2-0 lead in just two shot attempts. The Skyhawks were able to cut into TMU's lead with a goal of their own in the twenty-fourth minute, but the Bears responded well and did not surrender another goal, or even a shot, for the remainder of the half, preserving their 2-1 lead. 

Though there were not as many goals as in the first half, the second half still saw plenty of action. The Bears built on their lead in the fifty-fourth minute with a goal from Giovanni Giraudo, who was assisted by Joao Costa.  Being down two goals, Point really turned up the pressure. After Giraudo's goal, the Skyhawks out-shot TMU nine to four and attempted multiple corners. In the seventy-second minute, Point made it a one-goal game again. Point continued to look for an equalizer, and though they came close, the rest of their attempts were either saved by Bears' GK Evan Gaffney or were off target, and the the match would end with a 3-2 score. 

"It was a hard fought win. When you have a ranking next to your name the opponents are always going to bring their best," said Coach Rob Miller. "A lot of things went against us [during the match], but the boys showed a lot of grit and determination to battle through that and to make sure we stay unbeaten at home!" The Bears' next match will be on the road against Milligan College on Saturday October 14th at 5pm.