FOREST CITY, Iowa -- Toby Millward's converted penalty in the 60th minute proved to be the game-winner for the No. 8 Bellevue University men's soccer team as the Bruins defeated Waldorf University 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Bolstorff Field.
Records:
#8 Bellevue: 12-0-2
Waldorf: 5-7-1
Recap: #8 Bellevue 2, Waldorf 1
In typical BU-Waldorf fashion the match was a physical affair came right down to the end. A total of 32 fouls were whistled as the Bruins remained unbeaten against Waldorf all-time (9-0-1).
After an extended layoff – having not played since Sept. 26 – Bellevue got a dream start, finding themselves on the board in the ninth minute courtesy of an own goal.
Despite being out-shot 4-2 (2-1 on goal) in the first 45 minutes, the Bruins nursed their 1-0 lead into halftime.
Bellevue doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Toby Millward slotted home a penalty, his sixth goal of the season.
Waldorf got a goal back in the 73rd minute with a strike from Anthonio Coletto. Hanibal Abraha was credited with an assist on Coletto's fifth goal of the season.
AJ Jarvis stopped two shots in goal for Bellevue.
Waldorf's Raul Guillamon-Bejar did not make a save in net for the Warriors.
For the match Waldorf out-shot Bellevue 9-5 (3-2 on goal) and held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Man of the Match:
Coach Mark Heath-Preston:
"It was a tough game against a side that worked hard and made it difficult for us. It was a heated game and I was surprised the game ended with all 22 players on the field. We are happy with the win and we go back in for another week of training before we play again. Jacob Pease, Andy Wilkinson, and Finlay Bloodworth were brilliant at the back, both with and without the ball. Toby Millward's deliveries and set plays were the difference again."
Notes:
- The own goal was the first scored by the Bruins since Oct. 26, 2016 against Grace (W, 12-0).
- Bellevue has been ranked No. 8 in each of the last two NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Polls, which is tied for the second-highest ranking in program history.
- BU is now unbeaten in their last 19 matches (16-0-3), a program record, a streak which began on Oct. 7, 2017.
