One of the biggest headlines following BGSU men’s soccer (4-4-2, 0-1-0) 2-0 win against Northern Kentucky (2-5-3, 0-1-2) was a change in goal for the Falcons.
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Jason Ball got his first-ever start for Bowling Green. He made five saves and earned a clean sheet after his 90-minute performance.
After the Falcons’ 3-0 loss to Evansville on Friday, Ball got the message from head coach Eric Nichols that he would be given a spot in the lineup.
“I got the text from coach Sunday morning…that’s all I’ve been wanting was a chance to show what I can do out on the field,” said Ball post-match. “I know how good I am, I think just ended up proving on the field tonight, and [Nichols] got that faith in me, and the team has the faith in me.”
Ball is entering his third season with the Falcons, after sitting the first two years behind former BG goalkeeper Brendan Graves and junior goalkeeper Enzo Gil for the first eight games of the season.
“When we first made the decision to go with Enzo, it was incredibly tight, and since that day, they both have just gotten better,” said Nichols. “Jason’s been awesome every day in training. This was a non-conference game, midweek game, and we thought this was a perfect opportunity for him to show us what he’s got.”
Junior forward Bennett Painter, who scored the second goal of the match for the Orange and Brown, gave praise to Ball in his first start.
“He’s on the same page as everyone; he’s rock solid,” said Painter. “It’s tight in our goalkeeper department, so it’s really good for him to do well, man of the match, it’s awesome.”
Ball, a native of Miamisburg, Ohio, finally got his moment. A game, and a night he won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
“Three and a half years ago, I decided to come to BG for nights like this at Cochrane with these fans, with this environment. It’s all I wanted to be here for,” said Ball. “Finally getting the chance to have the moment, it means the world, and being in front of family and friends tonight, it means the world.”
Bowling Green will return to Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play on Friday, Oct. 3, in Nashville against the unbeaten Belmont Bruins (5-0-4, 0-0-1). Kick-off for the match is set for 7:30 p.m.
