The Bradley soccer team (4-4-5) continued their conference struggles against Northern Illinois (4-6-1) on Oct. 14. The Braves lost 1-0 and are now 0-4 in conference play.
Bradley has struggled to generate offensive opportunities as of late. Over the last six games, the Braves have scored just three goals, a stark difference from the beginning of the season when they scored 10 in their first six games.
The dip in production comes after losing junior forward Kevin Mejias to an injury in the match against SIUE. Despite only playing seven games, the star from Italy continues to lead the team in goals and total points.
“You’d be silly to say that losing him was not an issue,” head coach Jim DeRose said. “Before he got injured, he was at four or five goals. Not only is he a goal scorer, but he’s a goal creator. We’d be lying if we said we didn’t miss him on the attacking side of the ball in particular.”
The Braves’ offensive struggles were apparent in the first half, as the Huskies outshot them 10-4. The opposing team created opportunities early and often due to an adjustment in the opening minutes of the game.
Bradley expected NIU to run a 4-4-2 formation, but the team came out in a 4-3-3. The 4-3-3 formation adds an extra forward into the mix, therefore allowing teams to increase their possession and create more goals.
Despite getting outshot, the Braves stayed defensively poised. For 40 minutes the game was tied 0-0 due to sound play from sophomore goalie Drew Berry. Berry defended nine shots in the first 35 minutes, saving four.
The onslaught from the Huskies continued as they eventually scored with less than a minute left in the first half. After fighting for the entirety of the first frame, the Braves were disappointed with the slip-up right before the half.
“We worked hard to keep them off the score sheet, and we felt like the momentum was starting to turn our way. It took us a few minutes to regroup in the locker room,” Berry said. “Going into the second half, we put what happened in the past and looked for the equalizer.”
After the break, Bradley came out of the locker room with new life. The team was energized and this led to much-improved play on both sides of the ball. DeRose countered the Huskies’ scheme and put another midfielder on the field. The Braves generated 11 shots on offense and held NIU to just 8.
Despite the offensive output, Bradley could not capitalize. Finishing goals, or the lack thereof, has become a theme for the Braves. The problem has become a head-scratcher, but DeRose chalks it up to bad luck.
“I wish I had the answer,” DeRose said. “I’d love to tell you it’s because we didn’t have shots in good areas, but that hasn’t been the case. Traditionally, if we’d generated this many chances, we’d have something to show for it, but we don’t.”
“Over the last game and a half, it feels like we’ve been unlucky,” DeRose added.
Bradley will need the odds to swing back in their favor if they want to get back on track this season. The Braves face off against conference rival Drake on Oct. 18.
