BOX SCORE (PDF)
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville men's soccer team (1-0-0) utilized an opening goal from senior forward Nate Opperman and a game winning goal by sophomore midfielder Ian McGrath in a 2-1 exhibition victory over Bellarmine (0-1-0) on Monday night.
"It was a positive step forward for our group," said Evansville head men's soccer coach Marshall Ray. "We were able to get all of our incoming guys minutes and see them compete in a college match as well as experiment with a couple different formations. We have a long way to go, but we are moving in the right direction."
The match was held at Arad McCutchan Stadium and featured three, 30 minute periods.
After a scoreless first, UE went ahead on Opperman's goal in the 34th minute. He took a loose ball 12 yards out, gained control of it and scored in the lower right corner of the net for the 1-0 Aces' advantage.
Bellarmine then answered back in the 48th minute with the game tying goal.
Even at one, UE leapt back ahead on a 66th minute corner kick from sophomore midfielder Cameron Cool. His winding ball was deflected by sophomore defender Chris Shuck into the six yard box for McGrath, who deposited the go-ahead goal in the lower right corner.
Trailing 2-1, Bellarmine tallied three shots in the remaining time including a block by UE's defense and two saves from sophomore goalkeeper Myles Fullen to preserve the Aces victory.
Evansville outshot Bellarmine 11-8 in the contest including a 5-4 margin in shots on goal. Opperman led all players with four shots (three shots on goal). McGrath and sophomore Desmond Dolphy also had two shots each.
Both teams recorded three saves.
UE is back in action on Thursday, August 20 for a road exhibition match at Mercer. The contest will be held in Macon, Georgia and begin at 3:00 p.m. CDT. Evansville's next home match is on Sunday, August 23 against IUPUI. That match will be held at Arad McCutchan Stadium and start at 5:00 p.m. CDT.
For all of the latest information on University of Evansville men's soccer, log on to the sport page on GoPurpleAces.com or follow the program on Twitter via @UEAthleticsMSOC. For more information on giving to UE Athletics or its individual athletics programs, visit the DONATE tab on the top of GoPurpleAces.com . To purchase tickets for University of Evansville athletics events, log on to GoPurpleAces.com and click on the TICKETS tab on top of the page.
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