Bruins quietly optimistic about postseason play

There was no panic after Rock Bridge’s 0-0 draw with last-place Camdenton on Thursday night and no finger pointing or excuses about why they didn’t win. Sure, the Bruins were frustrated they couldn’t put the home game away, but rather than focusing on the what ifs, the Bruins are remaining quietly confident about their chances heading into the Class 3 District 10 tournament.

With a 3-1 district record, the Bruins (10-7-3) secured the second seed in the district tournament before facing the Lakers (9-12-2). But even with nothing to lose, the Bruins weren’t willing to give this game away. Rock Bridge’s defense allowed only one shot and its offense dominated, forcing Camdenton’s goaltender to make several jaw-dropping saves. On a night where everything seemed to click, the only trouble the Bruins had was finding a way to get it past him.

“It was just one of those nights where we’re playing great soccer, we’re knocking the ball around, we’re containing possession, and the shot comes in and it doesn’t fall our way,” Bruins forward Matt Salberg said.

When the district tournament begins Oct. 28, the Bruins are likely to face even tougher competition. And though they were unable to score against Camdenton, the players are confident their scoring will come around before the tournament.

“This was just one of those nights, and I don’t think it’s going to happen again,” Bruins midfielder Gentry Coffman said. “We’re going to go back to work on our finishing, and we’re just going to keep playing the great soccer we’re playing.”

It’s not just the players who are brimming with confidence. Bruins coach Kirby Keth said he hasn’t felt this good about his team in his two years at Rock Bridge, and he’s expecting them to do something special.

“We feel good about ourselves,” Keth said. “This is about confidence, belief in yourself, belief in your teammates, and they have that right now. They feel good about our possibilities of what we can do and where we can go.”