FREMONT, Neb. -- For the second time in as many matches the Bellevue University men's soccer team gave up a late set piece that cost them a result. Tom Sibbald struck a free kick from 25 yards out in the 87th minute to give Midland University a 2-1 victory over the No. 11 Bruins on Wednesday night.
Midland struck in the 15th minute to nab an early 1-0 advantage in the match. Tom Sibbald collected the assist on the goal by Ali Sodal.
In virtually no time – just 67 seconds later – senior Alan Carr pulled Bellevue on terms with his second strike of the season. The unassisted goal came on a free kick from 15 yards out.
Despite the loss, Bellevue held the advantage in both shots (17-10) and shots on goal (11-5) while playing a more physical match. The Bruins were whistled for 11 fouls against just six Midland fouls.
Sophomores Rob Smith and Daniel Coupland and senior Jamie Henderson generated the majority of the Bellevue chances. Smith and Coupland each finished the match with four total shots and three on goal while Henderson put all three of his strikes on frame.
Junior Ben Martin made three stops in net but it wasn't quite enough as the Bruins saw their modest three-match unbeaten streak ended.
Bellevue (5-2-2) is back in play on Sunday, Sept. 27 with a 3 p.m. match against Morningside College at Bellevue Soccer Club.