BGSU men’s soccer (8-1-1, 3-0-0) defeated the Belmont Bruins (2-4-3, 0-2-1) in an intense Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) matchup.
FIRST HALF:
As the match kicked off, neither team could seem to maintain possession, struggling with the windy and rainy Bowling Green conditions. The slick pitch caused multiple through balls to skip out of bounds for the Falcons, and neither team created strong chances within the first 15 minutes of play.
BGSU junior forward Trace Terry found the first shot of the evening, which was blocked by a Belmont defender. The Bruins responded soon after with a chance of their own but were unable to capitalize.
BGSU almost pulled ahead with a shot from distance by sophomore midfielder Mads Christensen, nicely tipped over the crossbar by Belmont graduate goalkeeper Grant Calvert.
In the 39’, Terry buried a magnificent 19-yard header off a cross from sophomore midfielder Jake Lane to put the Falcons ahead. Terry would almost find another on a breakaway, but a stop by Calvert kept the Bruins within one going into the break.
The Falcons dominated the first half, outshooting the Bruins 10 to four, with two corner kicks to Belmont’s zero.
SECOND HALF:
The Bruins began to make noise in the second half, creating multiple promising attacks of their own. A 64’ header by senior defender Alex Clayton fizzed just wide of the net, nearly bringing the scoreline level.
Belmont kept the pressure high, forcing BGSU fifth-year goalkeeper Brendan Graves to claim multiple aerial balls in his 18-yard box. An impressive diving save by Graves would seal his second-consecutive shutout, as well as the Falcons’ third MVC victory.
“We’ve got a lot of pride in that back line, starting with Brendan, all the way through,” stated head coach Eric Nichols on the shutout. “If we’re gonna have any success, it’s gonna start in the back.”
REVIEW OF THE GAME:
Although the Falcons dominated the first 45 minutes, the Bruins found momentum during the second half, desperately searching for an equalizer. Belmont was unable to find a goal of their own, largely due to a strong performance by goalkeeper Brendan Graves.
Offensively, Trace Terry has been on fire with six goals across Bowling Green’s last four matchups. The junior is now tied for second nationally in total goals, tallying nine this season.
“He’s turned into a different beast these last couple of games,” said Graves about Terry’s recent performances. “It’s awesome seeing him progress, he’s turning into the leader role that we need.”
Up next, the Falcons will travel to Chicago to take on MVC opponent UIC at 8 PM on Oct. 5.
