PEORIA, Ill. – The University of Evansville men's soccer team won its third consecutive match on Friday night, defeating Bradley 3-0 to improve to 4-1-0 in Missouri Valley Conference play.
The Aces generated several early opportunities, including a chance from Devin Shepherd in the 11th minute that was turned away by Bradley's goalkeeper and a shot from Alejandro Fernandez two minutes later that sailed just wide.
Evansville broke through in the 13th minute when Izán Redondo found Shepherd in space just outside the top of the box. Shepherd sent a long-range shot toward goal, bending into the upper-left corner to give the Aces a 1-0 lead. The goal marked Shepherd's fourth of the season as he continued his impressive stretch of play following his recent selection as MVC Player of the Week.
Fernandez doubled the lead in the 26th minute with a great setup by Redondo and Shepherd. After receiving the ball inside the box with a defender and goalkeeper in front of him, Fernandez maneuvered past the defender before placing his shot beyond the reach of the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. The goal marked Fernandez's fourth of the season, tying Shepherd for the team lead. Redondo and Shepherd were credited with assists.
Marc Martin added to the Aces' lead in the 34th minute, capitalizing on a Bradley defensive clearance. Ben Zec initiated the scoring chance by sending a ball into the box, where Etienne Ravelli redirected it with a header. A Bradley defender attempted to clear the ball, but it was sent directly toward Martin, who finished from close range for his first goal of the season and a 3-0 Evansville lead.
The Aces' defense limited Bradley to just four shots in the first half, while Hugo Amo recorded three saves to help carry the three-goal advantage into halftime.
Evansville continued to apply pressure early in the second half, with Fernandez sending a shot just wide in the 53rd minute. The two sides settled into a defensive battle over the next 15 minutes, with Evansville recording both shots of the stretch.
Bradley found its footing in the closing minutes, matching Evansville with five shots over the final 20 minutes. Amo made three saves during the stretch, while the Braves' goalkeeper recorded four saves to prevent the Aces from extending their lead.
Amo finished the night with six saves, helping Evansville secure its fifth clean sheet of the season. After tonight's match, the two-time MVC Goalkeeper of the Week ranks tied for first in the conference with five shutouts and fourth with 62 saves.
With the victory, Evansville improves to 6-8-2 overall and 4-1-0 in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Aces will close out the regular season Wednesday against Belmont at Arad McCutchan Stadium, with a chance to compete for the MVC regular season title. Evansville currently sits tied with Bowling Green at the top of the conference standings, with both teams holding 4-1-0 records.
