University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
1-4-0, 0-0-0
Belmont
2-1-2, 0-0-0
Bulldogs fall to Belmont 2-1 in 'Be The Match' game
09.10.2022 | Men's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Defending its home turf for the annual 'Be The Match' game, the UNC Asheville men's soccer team took an early lead against the Belmont Bruins but ultimately lost the match off a late goal, 2-1. With the loss, the Bulldog's record fell to 1-4 in non-conference play to begin the season.
"We are proud of our boys to continue to move our process forward today," said UNC Asheville Head Coach Mick Giordano. "While that is not the result we wanted nor have set as a standard for our program, we are getting better every day which is all we can truly ask for as a staff. The group was spirited and dedicated to each other the entire 90 minutes. We have moments to organize and improve upon, but also created the chances to win."Â
The Bulldogs and the Bruins started off slow as both teams tried to control the pace of play early. As the match progressed, Belmont began to get some better scoring opportunities from a few corner kicks and shots on goal. However, Asheville's defense withstood each attempt. Goalkeeper Ian McGill, coming off an eight save half in Asheville's previous match, continued to lead the Bulldog back line, making three saves in the first half and six in total. With those six saves, McGill is now tied for the Big South's lead with 17 saves.Â
Asheville had only three shots in the first half, but only needed one to put the Bulldogs up in the match. In the 38th minute, Sam Presser dribbled through three Belmont defenders and lasered a shot into the bottom-left corner of the net, giving the Bulldogs a lead right before the half.
WHAT A SHOT!! Sam Presser puts the Bulldogs up 1-0 before the half.#ALLinAVL pic.twitter.com/tjwVMY0bn4
— Asheville Men's Soccer (@UNCAvlMSoccer) September 10, 2022
Down a goal, the Bruins came out in the second half much more aggressive, putting up 17 shots and controlling the ball for most of the half. Despite many opportunities, the Asheville back line put up a stout defense, with defenders Dominic Miller and Dylan Thompson blocking many of the shots before they reached the goalkeeper.
"Belmont is an extremely talented and experienced team that won 13 games last year," Giordano added. "We were out done on two set pieces which is tough to swallow but learning moments for our young group. We have to continue to believe in our brand and our process as it's still early in the season with a one of the most challenging non-conference schedules in the country so far."Â
I'd like to thank Be the Match for allowing us the platform to make a difference. Thank you to Amanda, Taylor and Andrew for making today possible. Also, I'd like to thank Colin Smith, our grounds crew and all of UNC Asheville administration for making today possible with the ongoing weather challenges.
The Bruins finally struck with their first goal in the 71st minute, as John Bannec tapped in a free kick cross to tie the game 1-1. With the clock running down, Belmont received another free kick in front of the Asheville goal, and capitalized with AJ Chastonay scoring off a rebounded save, putting the Bruins up 2-1. With only three minutes on the clock, the Bulldogs were able to get one more corner kick to try and tie the game, but it was unsuccessful, and Belmont took the match.
"We'd like to thank Be The Match for allowing us the platform to make a difference," said Giordano. "Thank you to Amanda, Taylor and Andrew for making today possible. Also, I'd like to thank Colin Smith, our grounds crew and all of UNC Asheville administration for making today possible with the ongoing weather challenges."
The Bulldogs will be back in action on Tuesday when they host Queens (N.C.) in a non-conference bout scheduled for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
Team Stats
Sam Presser (2)
Assisted By: Heath Flathau
GOAL by AVL Presser, Sam Assist by Flathau, Heath.
37:56
John Bannec (1)
Assisted By: Jansen Wilson
GOAL by BEL Bannec, John Assist by Wilson, Jansen.
70:22
AJ Chastonay (1)
Assisted By: Jansen Wilson , Dylan Steely
GOAL by BEL Chastonay, AJ Assist by Wilson, Jansen and Steely, Dylan.
87:29
