Bande delivers late equalizer in draw with Grand View

PAPILLION, Neb. -- Ruben Bande scored a sliding goal in the 81^st minute to give the Bellevue University men's soccer a 1-1 season-opening draw on Saturday evening against Grand View University at Papillion Landing.

Recap:

Bellevue and Grand View seemed content to spend most of the first half getting a feel for both themselves and their opposition with just a combined seven shots through the first 37 minutes of game action.

Jacob Gutierrez put the visitors ahead late in the half as he headed Jayce Berger's corner kick past BU keeper AJ Jarvis.

The Vikings took that narrow advantage into the break before play began to open up in the second half.

Up and down action persisted throughout the second 45 minutes with the teams combining for 20 shots

Ruben Bande scored on the Bruins' final shot of regulation. With a series of play taking place on the far side, Gabriel Gaiotto slipped a pass to Alvaro Capra who then cut into the box and sent a cross to the goalmouth that Bande slid in and connected on to put into goal and pull the Bruins level.

Bellevue had the best chance in overtime, winning a free kick just outside the 18 in the 92^nd minute but Anthony Cox sent his attempt just over the cross bar.

In the second overtime period, Grand View's Aaron Williams came streaking into the box and sent a cross into the center that Capra was just able to get a touch to and redirect away from danger. A late free kick to Grand View saw the Vikings with one final chance but Will Curtis' shot in the final second was blocked.

The Bruins finished with a 19-14 edge in shots (6-3 on goal) and 5-3 advantage in corners.

AJ Jarvis made a pair of saves for Bellevue while Felix Shafer totaled five stops for the Vikings.

Coach Mark Heath-Preston:

"It is always a difficult game against Grand View. We had some good chances and lots of opportunities which could have led to a chance. To play a top team in our first game is always good so we look to improve in quality and effort for the next game."

Man of the Match:

Ruben Bande for the impact he made off the bench. Very active and scored the tying goal.

Up Next:

Bellevue travels to Mitchell, S.D. on Wednesday, Aug. 25 for a 7 p.m. kick-off against Dakota Wesleyan University (1-0-0) from the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex.

Notes:

• Bellevue improves to 13-9-4 all-time in season-openers and 2-1-3 under the direction of head coach Mark Heath-Preston.
• The Bruins are now 5-1-1 against teams from the Heart of America Athletic Conference dating to the start of the 2018 season.
• Bellevue is now 8-10-2 all-time against Grand View; their most frequently played opponent with whom they have never shared a conference.