Photo by Jakob Komel
Bellevue, Neb. – The McPherson College men's soccer team wrapped up the non-conference portion of their schedule on Saturday evening on the road against #8 Bellevue University. For the Bulldogs it would be their third nationally ranked opponent out of the five non-conference games on the schedule.
The Bulldogs entered the game at 3-1 overall and 1-1 against top 25 opponents having defeated Briar Cliff, 2-1, and falling to Georgia Gwinnett 1-0. The Bruins are a familiar foe for the Bulldogs, and Saturday's game was their third meeting in the past five months. During the spring portion of the 2020 season, the Bulldogs and Bruins met in McPherson and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Just over a month after that initial meeting, the two teams met again, this time they were paired against each other in the opening round of the NAIA national tournament. The Bruins got the best of the Bulldogs in that matchup 2-0.
Saturday's matchup on Bellevue's home pitch was another well played match, one that wouldn't be decided in the first 90 minutes of play. The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick lead over the Bruins, scoring in the second minute of the game, a Nhlakanipho Methula, assisted by Sean Thomson. Just before half, the Bruins got the equalizer off of a free kick. The teams went into the intermission tied at one.
The score would stay knotted a one for the entirety of the second half and the ten minutes of the first overtime session. With under two minutes to play in the second overtime period, the Bulldogs were awarded a free kick. The Bruins stopped the Bulldog attempt and went on the counter attack. The Bulldogs were unable to get back on defense quickly enough to delay the Bruin attack. In the 109th minute, the Bruins crossed a ball to the back post where an attacker was waiting to head the ball into the back of the net for a 2-1 win.
Colby Swift was in net for the Bulldogs. He faced five shots on goal from the Bruins, finishing with three saves on the night.
Coach Quint liked what he saw from his team, but also knows they still have some work to do as they head into the KCAC season. He said, "We went toe to toe with another quality side tonight and nearly had a result. I actually thought Dan Connell hit the game winner in overtime, but his shot hit the crossbar. We created some quality chances in the attacking third, but we have to do a better job of finishing. I am pleased with what we accomplished these first five games and I believe it will serve us well as we head into conference play."
The Bulldogs head into KCAC play at 3-2 overall. They open up next Friday at home against Sterling College. The men are scheduled to play at 7:30 pm following the women's game.
