PAPILLION, Neb. -- Gabriel Gaiotto and Zach Robbins both scored and the defense recorded its second-straight shutout as the Bellevue University men's soccer team defeated Midland University, 2-0 on Saturday evening.
Records:
#11 Bellevue: 8-2-1
Midland: 5-5-0
Bruins 2, Midland 0
Bellevue applied consistent pressure throughout much of the first half but were unable to come up with much to show for their efforts. The shot count was three apiece at the break, despite a considerable advantage in possession for BU.
Gabriel Gaiotto did break through for the Bruins in the 34th minute, collecting a poor Midland clearance attempt and ripping a shot high from about 16 yards. His first goal of the season was aided by a pair of Warrior defenders screening their own keeper.
Bellevue saw a golden opportunity to double their lead in the 59th minute but Oumar Sissoko, who had the keeper beat, whipped his attempt wide of goal.
Zach Robbins added to the lead about 11 minutes later in the 70th minute. Robbins dribbled in from the center of the field to the right side of the goal at the edge of the box, caught the keeper off his line and beat him high and to the far side.
Scoring chances were limited the rest of the way as BU defended their lead well as mounting Midland frustration saw the Warriors awarded a pair of cards after going two goals down.
Bellevue out-shot Midland 11-5 and 4-0 on goal.
AJ Jarvis was not tasked with making a save in goal for the Bruins, who picked up their third shutout of the season, while Matthew Ricci made a pair of saves in the loss for Midland.
Man of the Match:
Coach Mark Heath-Preston:
"It was good to not concede for two games in a row along with some of the football we are playing. We have to continue to have this balance in our game as we continue to move on through the season. We have a big test on Tuesday vs Columbia but we are ready and excited for the game."
Up Next:
Bellevue hosts #5 Columbia College (7-1-0) at Papillion Landing on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in a rematch of last year's NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinal.
