SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI – It took a complete 90-minute performance, but the third-seeded BGSU men’s soccer (12-5-2, 4-3-1 MVC) took down the second-seeded Drake Bulldogs (9-4-3, 5-1-2 MVC) by a final score of 1-0, through a goal from junior striker Trace Terry.
In just their second season in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), the Falcons advance to the MVC Championship game for the first time in program history.
The first save of the match had to be made from BG fifth-year goalkeeper Brendan Graves, who stopped a free-kick from Jackson Kirsch in the fifth minute.
Both teams battled for possession for the majority of the first 45‘, the Orange and Brown put their first shot on target in the 24th minute from senior midfielder Alberto Anaya, but it was stopped by Drake’s freshman goalkeeper Tomas Butkovic.
After an uneventful first half in terms of chances created, the teams went into halftime still tied 0-0.
Early into the second half, fifth-year centreback Kyle Cusimano suffered an injury in the 49th minute, causing him to exit the game and not return. This led to sophomore midfielder Mads Christensen moving into the backline alongside Josh Erlandson and Gus Peacock for the remainder of the game.
The match started opening up as the game moved on, Bowling Green nearly broke through in the 58′, with freshman midfielder Ryko Bodurov striking a shot on frame, but ultimately was stopped by Butkovic.
Both teams continued to battle in the midfield, with multiple fouls each team struggled to find rhythm aside from breakaways and set-pieces.
But in the 81st minute, Terry found the first and only goal of the match, to send the Orange and Brown to the MVC Championship. A through ball from sophomore forward Bennett Painter that split the Bulldog centrebacks found the foot of Terry, who touched a touch, then rocketed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.
While Drake had a few more opportunities in the game’s dying moments, Graves and the Falcons backline were able to hold strong and hold on to the 1-0 victory.
The Falcons were outshot 12 to six, with each team with five shots on target each. In a physical contest from the opening minute, a total of 40 fouls were called on the afternoon. 23 for the Bulldogs and 17 for the Falcons. Five yellow cards were issued as well, three for Bowling Green and two for Drake.
Next up for the Falcons, a date with fifth-seeded Evansville Purple Aces for the MVC Championship on Saturday, Nov. 16, with kick-off set for 7:30 p.m.
