NASHVILLE - Despite striking first on Friday night, University of Southern Indiana Men's Soccer fell 4-1 to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Screaming Eagles (0-4-3) could not hold on to an early 1-0 lead against the Bruins (3-3-1) after being outshot 18-5 throughout Friday's match.
Sophomore midfielder
Brian Novillo scored his second goal of the season in the 26th minute on a penalty kick. He is the first Screaming Eagle to register multiple goals this season.
USI and Belmont were scoreless through the first 23 minutes, with both teams combining for five shots and two saves. Novillo broke the stalemate in the 26th minute by converting the penalty kick into the bottom right-hand corner. The Bruins responded with two quick goals within a minute and a half of each other to close out the half with a 2-1 lead.
The Screaming Eagles started the second half strong, taking the first shot of the half. However, the Bruins responded quickly, extending their lead with two more goals in the middle of the second stanza. USI had two more scoring chances later in the game but could not capitalize to cut into the three-goal deficit.
USI Men's Soccer returns to action next Saturday, September 26, in Edwardsville, Illinois, to take on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and kick off Ohio Valley Conference play. The match will begin at 7 p.m.
