Bruins Win Convincingly over West Potomac

The Lake Braddock Bruins moved 3-2-1 with a big district road win over the struggling West Potomac Wolverines. The Bruins were able to score a season-high three goals, two of which were converted on corner kicks. They were also defensively sound, recording their second shutout of the year.

“We had a great practice last night,” said Coach Joe Soos. “We came out ready today and put up a really solid performance.”

The game began with a sharp contrast of styles. While Lake Braddock looked to play the ball on the ground and use the width of the pitch, the Wolverines focused on clearing the ball defensively and tried to pick out strikers with the long ball. As the half wore on, the Bruins were able to use the edge in possession to put the West Potomac defense under pressure.

The Bruins responded with desperation clearances and hoped for a kick-and-run style, but the discipline of the Bruin attack began to create more chances. Their efforts were rewarded with a handful of corner kicks and finally, midway through the first half, Ortiz was able to knock one into the back of the net.

But the Bruins weren’t satisfied with the one-goal lead. In the 3oth minute, defender Brendan McHale stepped up from defense on another corner and head home another cross to give the Bruins a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the break, especially comfortable considering their opponent hadn’t even had two quality shots on goal.

“We work really hard in training,” Soos explained. “Guys know they have to seize their opportunities, and tonight a lot of new guys got their chance, and they made the most of it.”

West Potomac came out strong in the second looking to get themselves back into contention, but the Bruin defense held strong, thwarting every attack and deflecting shots in the box. At the other end of the pitch, and mix up in the West Potomac box lead to an easy tap in goal for Ortiz, his second of the night.

Up 3-0 with time dwindling the Bruins were able to relax and open up the field. Senior Christian Kosko, who facilitate beautifully out the central midfield all night, had a few chances to extend the Bruin lead, only to see a pair of half volleys sail just wide of the post.

Once the game was all sewn up, Soos went deep onto his bench to give some of the younger guys more experience.

"We got great effort from all of the guys tonight,” Soos said. “From the guys who played all 80 minutes to those who closed out the final 12. I was really happy with the performance, but as always, we still have a lot of work to do.”

The Bruins will look to carry their success over into Monday’s 7:00 matchup against Chantilly.