BOX SCORE (PDF)

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – An 81^st minute goal from sophomore midfielder Ian McGrath proved to be the game-winner as the University of Evansville men's soccer team (1-2-0) won 2-1 against the Belmont Bruins (1-3-0) on Sunday afternoon. The victory was the first for Marshall Ray as Purple Aces head coach.

With the contest tied at one, McGrath received a centering pass from sophomore forward Desmond Dolphy and the 20 yard blast pushed UE ahead in the waning moments of the match. Belmont was unable to muster a shot the rest of the afternoon as Evansville sealed their first win of the season.

"The conditions were difficult over the course of the two games this weekend," said Ray. "The heat today had a definite influence on the match for both teams.  Our guys battled and each and every player gave something to this match.  We subbed numerous players into the match to try and keep fresh legs on the field and in the end it paid off.  Cam had a great strike for the first goal and Ian McGrath hit an absolute cracker for the game winner.  This team could have withered in the heat when we gave up the equalizer, but instead we dug in our heals and fought for the win. Our group showed a tremendous amount of character this weekend and today we got rewarded for it. "

The match remained scoreless until the 42^nd minute when senior forward Nate Opperman found sophomore midfielder Cameron Cool to his left. Cool's straightaway strike from 21 yards out was his first career goal and it pushed UE ahead 1-0.

Trailing by one, Belmont evened up the match with an A.J. Arnold goal in the 72^nd minute. McGrath's goal eight minutes later secured the Aces victory. The goal was McGrath's first this season and second of his career.

"Overall, I thought this win was a big step for our team," added McGrath. "Everyone was one hundred percent into it and competing the whole game…it feels great to get a first win and we look forward to keeping things rolling."

On the stat sheet, McGrath led UE with three shots (all on goal). Dolphy and Opperman came off the bench to provide the two Aces assists in the contest. UE finishes the 2015 ProRehab Aces Classic 1-1.

Evansville is on the road next weekend for the Veterans Memorial Cup at Marshall. The Aces' first match will be against Bowling Green on Friday, Sept. 11 at 4:00 p.m. CDT. UE is back at home on Saturday, Sept. 26 for Homecoming against Drake. The match will begin at 7:00 p.m. CDT at Arad McCutchan Stadium.

TOURNAMENT NOTES:
 
Tournament Champions: Drake (2-0)
Tournament Runners-Up: Air-Force (1-1)
 
All-Tournament Team
Alec Bartlett, Drake
Ben LeMay, Drake
Mueng Sunday, Drake
Kyle Whigham, Drake
Tucker Axhoj, Air Force
Cameron Duley, Air Force
Trey Pujats, Air Force
Mark Anthony Gonzalez, Evansville
Ian McGrath, Evansville
Joonas Bask, Belmont
Anthony Torres, Belmont
 
Offensive Most Valuable Player
Tucker Axhoj, Air Force
 
Defensive Most Valuable Player
Alec Bartlett, Drake