Game 2: Bradenton at Baton Rouge

Coming off a 0-0 tie two days earlier in Mississippi, Bradenton coach Tom Durkin expected nothing less than a win on Sunday, and that’s exactly what he got with a 2-1 victory against the Baton Rouge Capitals.

It did not take long for Bradenton (7-1-3) to strike, as persistent pressure in the midfield pushed the Academic attack early. Combining quickly through the midfield, Blair Gavin found Zak Boggs down the right wing and a well-played ball into the box was buried in the 11^th minute by Ederson Lopes.

With a one-goal lead early, Bradenton took their foot off the gas and found themselves in a defensive battle more than they wanted. The wide play of Baton Rouge was their choice of attacking the back line, which held strong by Matt McFarland  (IMG Soccer Academy alum) until it broke in the 43^rd minute and allowed a tying goal by Baton Rouge (1-5-3).

Bradenton came out strong with three key substitutions as Miguel Gonzalez (IMG Soccer Academy alum), Anthony Ampaipitakwong and Tauren Manders (IMG Soccer Academy alum) all entered the midfield to thrust the attack. As tempers flared, the Baton Rouge Capital coach was ejected in the 57^th minute, and Bradenton took full advantage of the situation.

No more the two minutes later, an excellent tackle in the midfield by Gonzales propelled the ball forward as Zak Boggs ran onto it. He beat the Capitals goalkeeper for the game-winning goal. Boggs, leading the team with eight goals this season, always seems to find a way to get the ball in the net, whether scoring or assisting. An immediate red card for Baton Rouge followed the goal, which gave Bradenton a one-man advantage for the remainder of the match, but the score would finalize at 2-1.

The Academics hold a five-point lead with one game in hand over Mississippi. Bradenton will next host the Central Florida Kraze at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.