Men's Soccer Drops Home Opener

URBANA, Ohio (August 30, 2012) - The Urbana University men's soccer team opened the 2012 season with a strong first half, but the visiting Bellarmine University Knights ran away with the opener thanks to a 3-goal outburst in the second half.

The 4-0 game started out slow with each team jockeying for position early.  Urbana appeared to jump out to a quick 1-0 advantage on a Jared Brand header, but Brand was called offsides on a close play. 

Moments later, Bellarmine saw a pair of shots hit the post and ricochet away as the game remained scoreless. 

In the 36th minute, Bellarmine broke through on a Robert Bowling goal over the head of Urbana keeper Darragh McGinley.  Urbana's defense tightened up until the end of the half, but the Blue Knights trailed 1-0.

The game remained tight early in the second half as the teams traded shots.  Urbana newcomer Carl Peers led the Blue Knights with 4 shots, but like his teammates, he failed to convert any of the looks.  The visiting Knights broke the game open with 3 goals in a span of just 15 minutes.  The first came in the 69th minute off the foot of Joesph Bettger.  Then, Knight Connor Brehm scored his first 2 goals of the season in the 78th and 84th minutes to seal the victory for the visitors.

McGinley's 13 saves in goal was one of the bright spots for the Blue Knights in the home opening loss.  Next, Urbana (0-1) travels to G-MAC opponent Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff against the Panthers.  The match is Urbana's first in the G-MAC this season.  [Box Score]