KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the first time in program history, the Belmont University men's soccer team is receiving a vote in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll. The Bruins are also ranked No. 9 in the United Soccer Coaches South Region, marking just the second time Belmont has been ranked regionally.
Following their historic home victory over then 16th-ranked the University of North Carolina at Greensboro on Oct. 16, the Bruins were slotted at No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches South Region poll (Oct. 19).
Belmont (13-4-1) reached its second consecutive Southern Conference Men's Soccer Championship title match with a thrilling 2-1 victory over top-seeded and 25th-ranked UNC Greensboro Sunday evening. Defeating the host Spartans on their home turf for the first time in school history, the Bruins completed the season sweep of UNC Greensboro.
Seniors Jack Shaw and Liam O'Brien both found the back of the net with diving headers in the second half of the SoCon Championship semifinal match. Defender Shaw made a fantastic play on a double assist from senior forwards Niccolo Dagnoni and O'Brien in the 59th minute, before O'Brien dove inside the six-yard box for a goal of his own off a pass from Shaw in the 72nd minute.
Thwarting the most prolific offense in the nation, Belmont's defensive effort was exceptional as the Bruins fended off 22 shots and 20 corner kicks. Senior goalkeeper Drew Romig was once again sensational between the posts, coming away with five saves in the triumph.
On Friday evening in Greensboro, North Carolina, fourth-seeded Belmont improved to 2-0 in SoCon Championship quarterfinal matches with a one-nil win over fifth-seeded East Tennessee State University. Sophomore midfielder AJ Chastonay notched his nation-leading seventh game-winning goal of the season at the 18-minute mark. The shutout was the Bruins' program record ninth of the fall.
Belmont 13-2-1 over its last 16 outings and has scored 21 goals in its last nine matches. The 13 wins on the year represent the most ever in a single season in Bruin history.
Crosstown rival Lipscomb University, who Belmont played to a 1-1 draw down the road on Sept. 14, is receiving 18 votes in the week 11 national coaches poll.
Up Next
The Bruins face second-seeded Mercer University for the 2021 SoCon Men's Soccer Championship Sunday afternoon in Macon, Georgia. Kickoff from Betts Stadium is slated for 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET.