BELLEVUE, Neb. -- The No. 17 Bellevue University men's soccer team picked up their first victory of the 2016 season by a 2-1 score over Northwestern College on Monday evening at Bellevue Soccer Club.
The Bruins improved to 1-0-1 with the win while the loss caused Northwestern to open their season at 0-1-0.
Northwestern's Daniel Zapata opened the scoring in the second minute. The Red Raiders played a long ball from the back up the wing to Connor Sams who sent a cross into the box to Wesley Lockwood. Lockwood took a touch before passing to Zapata who hit a one-timer into the back of the net.
Scott Robson put BU on the board in the 18th minute with his first goal of the season. BU won a free kick from about 26 yards out. Robson stepped to the ball and banged it in off the underside of the cross bar to put Bellevue level with the visitors.
Bellevue had a chance to take the lead in the 23rd minute when they were awarded a penalty kick. Andres Blanco took the spot shot but his effort was saved by NWC keeper Matt Scott.
Bellevue and Northwestern entered halftime tied at 1-1. BU out-shot Northwestern by a 7-2 margin (4-1 on goal) and gained four corners to none for the guests.
Blanco atoned in the 60th minute with his first goal of the season. JT Cronin received a ball in the box, carried it deep, and centered the ball to Blanco who sent a one-time effort into the back of the net for a 2-1 Bruin advantage.
Bellevue clinched the game in the final minute when Martin came off his line to stop Zapata on a breakaway attempt.
Bellevue was the better side for much of this one with the stat sheet reflecting that. The Bruins out-shot Northwestern 13-6 (7-2 on goal) and gained four corner kicks to the Red Raiders' two. NWC was whistled for 10 fouls and Bellevue was called for nine.
Keeper Ben Martin made one save in goal for Bellevue to earn the win and improve his record to 1-0-1. Matt Scott recorded five saves for the Red Raiders.
Bellevue is off until Friday, Aug. 26 when they travel to Orange Beach, Ala. for a pair of games at the Mobile Classic. The Bruins take on Mobile at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and wrap up the classic with an 11 a.m. contest against Thomas on Sunday, Aug. 28.
