Men's Soccer Defeats UIC to Advance in MVC Tournament

CHICAGO - - Belmont University men's soccer defeated UIC, 1-0, Sunday afternoon in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament first round from Flames Field.
 
Ayden von Essen's 16^th minute finish on a delivery from AJ Chastonay gave the Bruins an early strike.

Nate Logan preserved the lead with his lone save of the opening 45 minutes – a 30^th minute save on a low shot from Preston Huitron.
 
Belmont had four shots and two corners in the first half.
 
The match narrative dramatically changed in the 54^th minute, as Esteban Leiva was booked for a second yellow card. The instantaneous red card ejection forced Belmont to play the remaining 36 minutes with 10 men.
 
The Bruins stayed strong and organized in front of Logan, even orchestrating an 80^th minute counter attack chance from Liam O'Brien.
 
Logan made consecutive big saves in the 83^rd minute to preserve the lead, which ultimately proved to be UIC's final serious threat to goal.
 
Belmont will face third-seeded Evansville Thursday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. CT in Springfield, Missouri.
 
Host and top-seeded Missouri State will play seventh-seeded Bradley in the nightcap.

Follow Belmont men's soccer on social media – @BelmontMSoccer on Twitter, @belmontmsoccer on Instagram and Belmont University Men's Soccer on Facebook – for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.