Soccer Bears wins on Senior Night
Bradley Central’s Varsity soccer team defeated Collegedale Academy 2-1 on Senior Night, Thursday at Bear Stadium, in front of a raucous crowd.
Both teams spent much of the first half feeling each other out. The defenses played well and did a good job limiting chances by the offense.
However, with 18:03 left in the half, Bradley broke through with their its first goal. Fernando Campos, who was moved up from the JV squad due to injuries a few weeks ago, beat his defender and fired a shot into the right side of the net for a 1-0 lead.
It appeared the Bears would take the lead into halftime, but with 2:30 left, Collegedale’s Donovan Crider slipped on in to tie it at 1-all.
Halftime saw seven Bears honored — goalkeeper Skylar Pirkle, Defender Braden Bales, mid-fielder Alex Garcia, utility player Flavio Martinez, mid-fielder Zander Rawlings,
mid-fielder Jesus Pena and defender Jonas Pols
Bradley head coach Miguel Arment and assistant coach Ted Lackey said of those being honored, “These seniors have led on and off the field and have been so welcoming to everyone on the team.
"They are a huge part of the reason why this team has become a family. We know they will take all of their strengths into the next chapter of their life.”
The Bears scored quickly after the halftime break, when Andy Gonzalez, in his first game back from injury, dribbled past his defender on the right side and fired a left-footed shot that beat Collegedale keeper Luiz Correa giving the Bears a 2-1 lead.
Bradley held on from there and picked up the 2-1 win. The varsity Bears' next game will be Friday, May 3rd, when they travel to take on cross-county rival Walker Valley.
Bradley’s JV will play in the East Hamilton tournament this weekend.
