LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Despite keeping the 15th-ranked team in the nation out of the net for over 75 minutes, the Belmont University men's soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to the University of Louisville Monday evening at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium in Kentucky. The Bruins (3-4-1) were forced to play a man down for the final 44:29 of the match after graduate midfielder John McDowell was sent off with his second yellow card.
 
Keeping the Cardinals (7-0-2) scoreless until the 76th minute, Belmont put together chances early and placed both of its shots on target. However, the Bruins were unable to record a shot in the second half with only 10 players.
 
A breakaway by sophomore forward Jaxon Stokes set up Belmont's lone corner kick in the 69th minute, but the Bruins were unable to generate anything off the set piece.
 
After striking the post twice, Louisville finally broke through Belmont's line through heavy traffic in the box. Forward Andrés Escudero Martín gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the last 15 minutes before finding the back of the net once more two-and-a-half minutes later in the 78th minute.
 
The Cardinals found their third goal in the 87th minute when reserve forward Cooper Olson headed it in. The goal was initially disallowed due to an offside call, however, Louisville challenged and the goal was upheld after a video review.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Brody Sucher saved six of the Cardinals' nine shots on goal and the Bruins fended off 18 of Louisville's 21 total shots.
 
Belmont's defense faced 13 shots and seven corners in the second half.
 
The Cardinals finished with 12 corners.
 
Of Note

• The Bruins played a nationally-ranked opponent for the first time since hosting then 17th-ranked Missouri State on Oct. 12, 2024.
• Traveling to Louisville for the third consecutive year, Belmont earned a scoreless road draw with the Cardinals last October. In 2024, the two teams met for a season-opening exhibition.
• Sucher has made at least six saves in three of his last four outings.

Up Next
The Bruins return to E.S. Rose Park Friday night when Belmont hosts the University of St. Thomas. Kickoff from the Music City is set for 6:30 p.m. and the non-conference home match will be broadcast on ESPN+. All matches at Rose Park are free to attend. The Bruins begin Missouri Valley Conference play at Drake on Saturday, Oct. 3.
 
How to Follow
Follow Belmont men's soccer on social media – @BelmontMSoccer on X, formerly 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.