Midland edges BU, 2-1, in intra-state Top 25 showdown

BELLEVUE, Neb. -- Hugo Garcia-Rosado Duran's free kick goal in the 79^th minute broke a tie as No. 25 Midland University defeated the No. 11-ranked Bellevue University men's soccer team 2-1 on Wednesday evening at the Renner Dennis Outdoor Athletic Complex.

Bellevue falls to 7-5-1 following their third-straight defeat while Midland ups their mark to 8-1-2 as they are unbeaten in their past nine games.

Both teams began the game rather tentatively, feeling out the other side, with chances and shots being limited in the opening 15 minutes. As the half progressed, Bellevue found themselves with more possession, especially in the offensive half, and longer sustained attacks.

Bellevue had a dangerous give-and-go sequence with Jeremiah Hteh in the 33^rd minute, finding a teammate and the middle and taking the flick-on before ripping a shot low that was saved.

The game remained scoreless as it advanced to halftime. After Midland recorded three of the first four shots in the game, Bellevue posted the final four of the half and out-shot the Warriors 5-3 in the first 45 minutes though Midland held a narrow 2-1 advantage in shots on goal. BU recorded all three corners in the half.

Midland's Lucas Foreman broke the scoreless deadlock in the 53^rd minute with his second goal of the season. Hugo Fragueiro's initial attempt clanged off the near post but the rebound fell to Foreman who beat a sprawled out Kaden Simpson with the follow-up for a 1-0 Midland lead.

Hteh and Adam Sherwood connected in the 63^rd minute to equalize for Bellevue. Hteh won a 50-50 ball about 45 yards from goal and played Sherwood in behind the defense. Sherwood settled the ball and took a touch before unleashing a shot from 20 yards that beat the keeper low to the near side for his seventh goal of the season.

Hugo Garcia-Rosado Duran put Midland in front on a free kick in the 79^th minute. A Bellevue foul gave the Warriors a set piece from 30 yards and Duran ripped a shot near post and in for a 2-1 lead.

Less than 90 seconds later, Bellevue won a free kick at the edge of the box after a reckless challenge. Juan Lagares hit a rifling shot that keeper Tomas Reyes dove to and punched over the endline to keep the Warriors in front.

The game finished with shots even at 10 apiece and Midland holding a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal while BU out-gained the Warriors on corners, 5-0. Both Reyes and Simpson made three saves for their respective sides.

The Bruins travel to Sioux Center, Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 4 for a noon match-up against Dordt University at Dordt's Soccer Complex.