BELLEVUE, Neb. -- Playing their fourth overtime game of the season, the Bellevue University men's soccer team fell to unbeaten Morningside College, 2-1, on Wednesday evening at Bellevue Soccer Club.
Joao Soares goal just 1:24 into overtime was the difference in this one as Morningside improved to 6-0-1 with the victory while Bellevue falls to 3-6-2 on the season. After Bruins keeper Ben Martin found himself on the ground in the 91st minute, Jonas Starkus stepped in to block Corsin Bundi shot from heading to the back of the net. Just over a minute later Soares took a pass from Muran Turan and beat Martin far side for the winner.
Rob Smith put the Bruins ahead just 15 seconds into the match. After the Mustangs keeper misplayed a back pass, Smith stepped between the keeper and the goal to put the ball into the back of the net for an early 1-0 Bruin lead.
That's where the score would stay for the remainder of the first half. Each time had a prime scoring chance but Ben Martin turned away Tom Karshuening with a leg save in a one-on-one situation in the 15th minute. Travis Hurd had a chance to double the BU lead but his unchallenged attempt in the 19th minute sailed over the cross bar.
At the intermission, shots were 8-5 in favor of Morningside, but shots on goal were even at four apiece. The Mustangs held an edge in corner kicks at 4-1.
Bellevue had another chance to grab a 2-0 lead when, in the 53rd minute, the Bruins drew a foul outside the 18-yard box. Rob Smith took the free kick attempt but his shot railed off the crossbar keeping Morningside within striking distance.
The Mustangs finally got their equalizer in the 60th minute of the foot of Karshuening. Hannes Kraft played a cross from the far wing that Karshuening volleyed out of the air and into goal for his fifth tally of the season.
Morningside out-shot Bellevue 17-12 for the game which included a 9-7 advantage in shots on goal. Corners went 8-5 in favor of the Mustangs.
Bellevue returns to play on Saturday, Sept. 24 with a 4 p.m. kickoff at Briar Cliff in Sioux City, Iowa. After that the Bruins will get their first extended rest of the season when they are off until Wednesday, Oct. 5 for a 3 p.m. home fixture against Concordia.
