Men’s Soccer edged by Morningside in OT

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 91^st 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 15^th minute. Travis Hurd had a chance to double the BU lead but his unchallenged attempt in the 19^th 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 53^rd 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 60^th 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.