NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont University women's soccer fought valiantly but ultimately came up short to The University of Southern Illinois 2-1 on Saturday at E.S. Rose Park.
 
The Bruins pushed the attack early putting pressure on the Salukis right from the opening whistle.

Belmont commanded play throughout the first half, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities.

The Bruins continued to apply pressure throughout the first half taking 11 shots and forcing 7 saves, but were unable to get on into the back of the net, taking a 0-0 score into the half.

The second half started off with what appeared to be a save by Bruins keeper Greta Genie but was ruled a goal on the field and an official review was deemed inconclusive so the goal stood giving the Salukis a 1-0 lead in the 47th minute.

The Bruins would regain momentum following the goal looking to build off of their dominant first half.
 
Southern Illinois would drive down the pitch and sneak a second goal past an outstretched Genie off a deflection to take a 2-0 lead in the 64th minute.

The Bruins would quickly bounce back however after a beautiful run by Kaitlyn Elliott to perfectly place a cross from Reagan Ross into the corner of the goal to get the Bruins on the board in the 68th minute.

Belmont looked to build off the momentum earned by Elliott placing a flurry of shots on goal, refusing to go down without a fight.

The Bruins fought till their last breath but ultimately were unable to score an equalizer and fell to the Salukis 2-1.

The Bruins outshot Southern Illinois 21 to 7 and forced the Saluki keeper to make a career high 10 saves.

The Bruins (2-5-4) return to action Saturday night against Evansville. Match time is set for 6 p.m. CT from E.S. Rose Park. The match will be broadcasted on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.

Follow Belmont women's soccer on social media - @BelmontWSoccer on X, @belmontwsoccer on Instagram and @belmontWsoccer 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.