LEXINGTON, Ky. – Despite its stalwart defense and passionate play throughout the 90 minutes, the Belmont University men's soccer team was unable to keep nationally-ranked Kentucky out of the net Friday night in the Bruins' first road test of 2022. The sixth-ranked Wildcats (3-0-0) earned a 3-0 win with a late first-half score and two second-half goals at the Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington, Kentucky.
Belmont (1-1-1), who staved off 13 of 16 total shots by host Kentucky, was unable to generate much on offense as the Bruins were limited to three shots and a single shot on goal.
The Wildcats tallied eight shots on target and capitalized on a penalty kick in the second half.
Kickoff of the match was delayed just over an hour due to lightning in the vicinity.
Following the late start, Belmont showcased its unifying defense as Kentucky attacked early and often. Backed up in the final third of the field, the Bruins made several tremendous plays deep in the box throughout the first 43 minutes of the contest.
With just 90 seconds to go before halftime, Kentucky's Ben Damge connected on a strike following quick passes from Brennan Creek and Nick Gutmann.
Belmont created chances early in the second half, including a free kick not too far outside the box and one of its two corner kicks of the night, but was unable to convert before the Wildcats extended their lead.
In the 63rd minute, Kentucky's Casper Grening launched a ball from the top of the box into the lower left corner to make it a two-goal game. Moments later, Wildcat defender Robert Screen knocked in a PK following a Bruin foul in the box.
A late corner kick with 1:15 remaining was Belmont's final opportunity.
Kentucky secured seven corner kicks, including four in the second half.
Graduate goalkeeper
Nate Logan, the defending Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week, registered five saves and senior midfielder
Jansen Wilson, a former Wildcat, had the Bruins' lone shot on target.
Up Next
Belmont returns to the Music City Tuesday for the 25th Battle of the Boulevard versus rival Lipscomb. Kickoff from E.S. Rose Park is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The Bisons are currently ranked No. 23 in the nation.
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