Bruins fall to Graceland, 3-2, in 2 OTs

OMAHA, Neb. -- Graceland's Rod Espriu scored from the top of the box three minutes into the second overtime to give the Yellowjackets a 3-2 win over 18th-ranked Bellevue University Saturday night at Tranquility Park.

The Bruins fell to 5-1 on the season with the loss. Graceland improved to 2-4-1 overall.

Bellevue battled back from an early 2-0 deficit in the first half, tying the game in the second half to force the extra periods.

Kasey Kiarish scored on a header from nine yards out off a cross from Michael Triano to give Graceland a 1-0 advantage in the 32nd minute. The Yellowjackets extended the lead to 2-0 nine minutes later on a header by Brady Blakenship off the post. Triano and Carlos Camacho were both credited with the assist.

Bellevue cut the lead in half two minutes into the second half with a header by Kyle Kirkland off a free kick from Ryan Cantello. It was Kirkland's third goal of the season.

The Bruins tied it up in the 61st minute when James Evison shot the ball past Graceland goalkeeper Christian Quintanilla from five yards out following a cross from the right wing by Michael Conchie.

Sebastian Narvaez took the loss, falling to 4-1 on the season, while recording one save.

Bellevue held an 12-9 advantage in shots and a 5-4 margin on shots on goal.

Bellevue will host Kansas Wesleyan next Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at Tranquility Park.

Game Summary
Graceland....2001 - 3
Bellevue.......0200 - 2
GU: K. Kiarish (M. Triano), 31:01
GU: B. Blakenship (M. Triano, C. Camacho), 40:53
BU: K. Kirkland (R. Cantello), 47:05
BU: J. Evison (M. Conchie), 60:34
GU: R. Espriu (103:19)