Ferguson ties Bruins record

Rock Bridge is on the brink of breaking records.

The Bruins boys’ soccer team defeated Jefferson City 3-1 on Tuesday night at Cosmopolitan Park as Michael Ferguson scored two goals.

Ferguson has scored 28 goals this year, tying the school mark Kevin Brooks set in 1993. The Bruins improved to 18-5-1, tying the school record for wins, also set in 1993.

The Bruins can set the record Thursday night against Hickman at Cosmopolitan Park.

Ferguson’s first goal came in the 24th minute. Matt Lightner sent a ball from the midfield down the right side to Ferguson, who controlled the ball with a touch before sliding a shot into the lower left corner.

“It was a perfect through ball,” Ferguson said. “Their defense was quick, but we got the better break. It was a pretty easy goal.”

Ferguson’s second goal came in the second half with Rock Bridge holding on to a 2-1 lead. In the 72nd minute, Ferguson used the outside of his left foot to place a corner kick into the lower left hand corner of the net.

After taking a 2-0 first-half lead with their speed and precise passing, the Bruins had a difficult time keeping up their momentum. Six minutes into the second half, Rock Bridge’s defense deflected a free kick taken outside its box, but Dustin Crow collected the ball for the Jays and shot.

Mills was unable to field the shot cleanly, for the ball slipped through his hands and rolled across the goal line.

“It was a mental breakdown,” Mills said. “It was my fault and I just have to move on.”

With most of the second half left, Jefferson City (10-8-1) tried to rally back into the game. The Jays were awarded another free kick in the 60th minute, and Craig Clarkson sent a high cross into the box. This time Mills’ hands were steady, and he confidently caught the ball.

Ferguson’s goal 12 minutes later sealed the game.

Rock Bridge’s second goal came in the 38th minute, on a play similar to the first goal. Adam Reed played a ball forward to Marco Pagoada, who turned toward goal. Pagoada pushed the ball toward the left side, beat his defender and slanted a shot into the lower left corner.

Rock Bridge coach David Graham was not satisfied.

“I don’t think we played with as much intensity and enthusiasm as we should be playing at this point in the season,” Graham said.