NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Following a 30-minute delayed start due to thunderstorms in the surrounding area, the Belmont University men's soccer team put together a spirited effort in a 1-1 draw with Mercer Friday night at E.S. Rose Park. An 88th-minute penalty kick from graduate midfielder
John McDowell evened the match after the visiting Bears took a 1-0 lead on a 61st-minute header.
The Bruins (1-2-1) were relentless in their attack, compiling an impressive 15 corner kicks – Belmont's most in a match since at least 2010.
Finishing with 25 total shots, including nine of which were on target, it was the Bruins' most shots in a contest since registering 27 in a 2-0 home win over Eastern Illinois on Oct. 26, 2022. Furthermore, Belmont's nine shots on goal were the most for the Bruins in an outing since the 2023 season.
Despite Belmont's offensive onslaught, Mercer (0-3-2) struck first following 60 minutes of scoreless action. On a center set piece, the Bears' Will Taylor laced a ball to a springing Eli Bannister, who found himself in position for a go-ahead header.
Relentless, the Bruins created two penalty kicks in the final 11 minutes. Both after challenges and video reviews, Belmont was fouled twice inside the box.
A diving header by freshman defender
Judah McCloud led to the first PK of the night as he was brought down by Mercer's Colton Ellison. However, the Bears' Henry Hampshaw, who had a tremendous performance in front of goal for the visitors, made a save on sophomore midfielder
Paul Claes Nielsen's penalty shot.
With less than two-and-a-half minutes left, freshman forward
Aiden Pierpoint was pushed down inside the penalty area. After the successful challenge, McDowell lined up for the PK and sent it home to equalize.
McDowell had the Bruins' first real opportunity in the 20th minute, but his shot was thwarted by Mercer's diving Hampshaw. Claes Nielsen had another near goal in the 32nd minute, but the Bears' Hampshaw was able to come up with the save. Moments later, just inside the 34th minute, graduate midfielder
Ethan Schlegel nearly sent it in from well outside, but his scorcher towards the upper-right corner was once again saved by Mercer's Hampshaw.
Belmont had nine corner kicks in the first half alone.
Senior forward
Nathan Ferguson had a left-footed boot early in the second half that nearly put the Bruins in front, but his shot was saved before sophomore forward
Jaxon Stokes hit the left post on the rebound. Stokes had another fantastic chance in the 60th minute, but his shot was slapped away at the last second by the Bears' Hampshaw.
An 85th-minute strike by McDowell appeared to be destined for the top back of the net but was caught by a leaping Hampshaw, who finished with eight saves for Mercer.
Of Note
- Belmont and the Bears met for the first time since the 2021 Southern Conference Championship title match, which was a 4-3 thriller decided by an 88th-minute Mercer goal.
- The Bruins have earned a result in 39 of their last 49 matches at Rose Park.
- McDowell's PK was his second goal of the season – he's tied with Claes Nielsen for the team lead.
Up Next
Belmont hosts nearby rival Lipscomb Tuesday night for the 29th Battle of the Boulevard. Kickoff from the Music City is slated for 6:30 p.m. and the rivalry match will be broadcast on
ESPN+. Scheduled as a white out, fans attending are encouraged to wear white. All matches at Rose Park are free to attend.
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.
#ItsBruinTime
