Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Behind a second half goal from junior Nico Olsak (Boca Raton, Fla.), Belmont University men's soccer defeated Bradley, 1-0, Sunday to claim the Mafiaoza's Invitational title.
Following a dramatic 3-2 double overtime victory over CCSU Friday night - behind a hat trick from senior Brandon Tarr (Knoxville, Tenn.) - Belmont looked to win a regular season tournament for the third consecutive season.
Moreover, the Bruins were looking for another solid result against a quality Missouri Valley Conference opponent.
To start the game, the Bruins had an early opportunity to grab the lead. Tarr narrowly missed an early tally in the fourth minute, but Bradley's Brian Billings deterred the chance.
The rest of the first half ended in a defensive stalemate, as neither team could muster much of an offensive attack.
Belmont had four shots in the first half to Bradley's two.
Senior netminder
Lou Manning (Southlake, Texas) made two saves early in the second half to keep a clean sheet, setting the stage for Belmont to strike first.
In the 69th minute, Belmont was fouled in the box, resulting in a Bruin penalty kick. Olsak buried the PK for his first goal of the year to put the Bruins ahead 1-0.
Belmont staved off three Bradley corner kicks in the late going, and Tarr nearly continued his goal scoring streak in the 86th minute for insurance, but was denied.
When the horn sounded, the Bruins had a hard-earned victory and another tournament title.
Belmont outshot Bradley, 11-4, though the Braves held a 5-4 corner kick advantage.
The Bruins next game will be Saturday, Sept. 22 against Northern Kentucky. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. CT from E.S. Rose Park.
