NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After a pair of road matches to begin its 2021 fall campaign, the Belmont University men's soccer team returned to the Music City for a home opening victory over UNC Asheville Thursday Night. Thanks to a 73rd-minute strike off the right foot of sophomore midfielder Michael Saunders and superb defensive play, the Bruins (1-2-0) were able to notch their first mark in the win column this season.
Seemingly outplaying the visiting Bulldogs (1-2-0) in every facet of the game, Belmont took control of the match early and had a clean shot on goal in just the fourth minute when senior midfielder Jack Shaw drilled a ball to the center of the pipes. The Bruins would record a season-high 11 shots on the night, four of which were on target, and limit UNC Asheville to only four total shots.
Holding the Bulldogs to a single shot on goal, which didn't come until the 84th minute and represented the visitors' lone shot of the second half, Belmont had an answer for every UNC Asheville attack. With the Bruins keeping in front of the Bulldogs' offense, Belmont was able to generate plenty of opportunities to score. Controlled set pieces allowed for a handful of shots deep inside the box as the Bruins earned a season-best seven corner kicks.
Sophomore forward Esteban Leiva, who played 39 minutes in a reserve role, had three great looks on headers with his three shots leading all Belmont players, while both Shaw and sophomore midfielder Eric Stiles tallied a pair of shots. However, it was Saunders who came through for the Bruins with just over 17 minutes to go.
Both of Saunders' shots were fantastic volleys but it was his second that proved to be the difference maker. A go-ahead pass from senior forward Niccolo Dagnoni put Saunders in position to go one-on-one with his defender and from there he dealt a missile from just inside the penalty box that ricocheted off the back of a UNC Asheville defender and into the upper back left corner of the net.
Belmont was excellent in its execution of the remaining time, thwarting any chances the Bulldogs had to score while maintaining the Bruins' position in key areas of the field.
Reigning Big South Conference Offensive Player of the Week Conor Behan totaled a trio of shots and accounted for UNC Asheville's only shot on target. The Bulldogs' Leon Musial made three saves in front of the net.
A yellow card was given to Bulldog midfielder Myles Edmondson in the 79th minute.
The Bruins are back in action on Labor Day Monday, continuing their three-game homestand by welcoming SIUE to E.S. Rose Park for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. The match will be broadcast on ESPN+.