LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Bellarmine University men's soccer team used two first half goals to slide past the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers on Tuesday night in Owensboro, Ky.

"Tonight was not pretty, but a win is a win," said head coach Tim Chastonay. "After four games in six days, we knew our performance was not going to be perfect, but I was proud of our resiliency in the final 15 minutes to not give up the equalizer."

Senior midfielder John Cantrell scored his first goal of the season in the 17th minute on an assist from junior forward Jacob Kaye to open the scoring.

Ten minutes later, senior defender Matt Odem extended the Knights' lead with his fifth goal of the season in just his third game, best in the GLVC. Bellarmine led 2-0.

Kentucky Wesleyan got a goal back six minutes before the break when Panthers senior forward Haris Dzaferbegovic scored to make the score 2-1.

Bellarmine owned a 10-3 shot advantage in the first 45 minutes but the second half was less favorable for the Knights. BU got off only one shot in the period and surrendered six, but were able to hold off the Panthers as both teams went scoreless in the second half. The final whistle blew with Bellarmine leading 2-1.

"It was great to test some of our younger players in a pressure filled game, to find out how they would respond" said Chastonay.

Key to the win was the strong play from three Knights freshmen: Midfielder Connor Bauer, midfielder Timmy Miller, and goalkeeper Tommy Hebert.

"Timmy, Connor, and Tommy gave us some great minutes tonight and really helped us earn the result" said Chastonay.

BU finished the game with an 11-9 shot advantage on the night.

With the win, Bellarmine improves to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Kentucky Wesleyan falls to 1-3-1.

"Now we will turn our attention to a very good Rockhurst team" said Chastonay.

The Knights welcome the Hawks of Rockhurst University to Owsley B. Frazier stadium on Friday, Sept. 20. for a 6:30 p.m. match. Rockhurst is tied for first in the conference with a 2-0 GLVC record, and currently #10 in the NSCAA Div. II national rankings.