LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It seemed as if the Bellarmine University men's soccer team was going to be saddled with yet another disappointing result despite another huge advantage in shot count.
That's how things have been going for the Knights, but that's not how they went Friday evening at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium after freshman forward
Tomas Bernedo bucked the trend by redirecting a corner kick from junior midfielder
Callum Southern into the net for a 1-0 victory in double overtime over Lewis in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.
The rousing finish for Bellarmine (3-4-1, 2-3 GLVC) against Lewis (1-6, 0-5) was much needed after the Knights entered on a three-game losing streak. In each loss, Bellarmine attempted more shots than its opponent.
The Knights piled up the attempts again on Friday, firing off 22 with seven coming on goal. Two near-misses in the first overtime could have been haunting — Lewis goalkeeper Philip Huang made a terrific diving save to bat away an open shot and the Knights couldn't convert a golden opportunity on the rebound in front of an unguarded net.
A golden goal would come, though. In the second overtime, the result of another near-miss by Bellarmine was a corner kick for the Knights. Southern whizzed it toward the goal area and Bernedo was there for the one-touch, punching it into the net in the 103rd minute to set off a rowdy celebration in which he was mobbed by teammates. It was Bernedo's second goal of the season, both game-winners.
Huang and Bellarmine sophomore goalkeeper
Zach Pogue were both on the move with frequency. Huang totaled six saves and Pogue tallied three in recording his second shutout.
Lewis attempted only four shots, but three were on goal. Bellarmine was largely in control throughout, having a 7-1 advantage in shots in the first half and a 15-3 edge after the break.
Bellarmine hosts Wisconsin-Parkside at 2:30 p.m. (ET) Sunday.
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