BELLEVUE, Neb. -- With their best defensive performance of the season the No. 17 Bellevue University men's soccer team defeated intra-state rival Midland University 1-0 on Wednesday evening at Bellevue West High School.
Bellevue improves to 3-4-2 with the victory as Midland falls to 5-1-1 with the loss.
Despite several quality scoring chances for Midland in the opening 45 minutes, the two sides reached halftime scoreless. Ben Martin had to come off his line twice to stop chances by Ali Sodal who pushed the limit of the offside line the Bruin defense was holding.
At the intermission, Midland held an 8-3 advantage in shots and a 4-2 edge in shots on goal but neither side could break through. Corners were even at two apiece while Bellevue was whistled for 11 fouls against Midland's five.
BU scored the game's first goal in the 51st minute. After Rob Smith won a free ball in the box he earned a penalty kick after being hauled down from behind. Daniel Coupland stepped to the spot and delivered a powerful kick opposite the keeper's dive to stake Bellevue to a 1-0 lead.
Martin, after making seven saves, earned his first clean sheet of the season. Bellevue was out-shot 17-9 but the back line foursome of Corey Smith, Coupland, Amador Rangel, and JT Cronin did well to limit the quality of the Warriors' chances.
Shazz Heale made five saves for Midland in the loss.
The Bruins return to action on Sunday, Sept. 18 when they host No. 25 Hastings College at 3 p.m. at Bellevue Soccer Club.
