Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The Belmont University men's soccer team (1-4-1) came up just short in its defense of the Belmont Boulevard title, dropping a highly-contested 4-2 decision Tuesday evening at neighboring Lipscomb (3-2-0).
Despite two second half scores, the Bruins were unable to overcome an early deficit and ultimately fell in a spirited fight between the two longtime foes.
Lipscomb struck twice in a matter of two minutes early in the match, scoring in the 11th and 13th minutes respectively, and carried a 2-0 lead into the half.
"They pressured us and we overplayed and didn't make very good plays on the ball. We took unnecessary risks, but we escaped going into the half only down 2-0. Mertcan's save on the penalty kick was a big play for us," said Head Coach Bryan Green.
Stephen Bailey (Nashville, Tenn.) and Elliot Jones (Knoxville, Tenn.) both added goals for the Bruins.
Belmont now has seven different players who have scored a goal this season.
Rookie netminder Mertcan Akar (Cologne, Germany) finished the match with eight saves and now has at least six saves in all six of Belmont's matches.
Bailey's header in the 48th minute closed the Lipscomb lead to just 2-1 as the Bruins showed great resolve coming out to begin the second stanza after trailing 2-0 at the intermission. Bailey's tally was set up excellently by Sam Borgel (Marietta, Ga.) who played a beautiful cross to find the Nashville native darting towards the goal.
Lipscomb would respond promptly with another goal in the 51st to regain a two-goal advantage. After the teams played a back and forth game for several possessions, the Bisons then struck again in the 83rd to make it 4-1.
"We had to keep our emotions in check, we got too high and too excited after the goal. Lipscomb was the more seasoned, mature team tonight and they didn't get rattled at all after we scored," added Green.
Jones helped the Bruins cut into the Lipscomb lead when he found the back of the net in the 87th minute to make it a 4-2 ball game.
"I thought in the second half we had some good moments and good ball pressure, I think we have to do that better and do it without exposing ourself," added Green.
Jones paced the Bruin attack with two shots while Borgel and Eli Crognale (Gahanna, Ohio) provided the assists.
The Bruins resume conference play this Saturday, Sept. 17 when they welcome Valparaiso to the Music City for a 2 p.m. match.
