ST. LOUIS — Junior midfielder Gilio Aviles scored early in the first half and freshman midfielder Nate Girao early in the second half as the visiting Bellarmine University men's soccer team defeated Missouri-St. Louis 2-0 Friday in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

Junior forward Tomas Bernedo recorded an assist for Bellarmine (6-5-1, 5-3-1 GLVC), which won for the fourth time in five games. Freshman goalkeeper Connor Range and the Knights' defense notched their fourth shutout of the season against UMSL (5-7, 4-5).

Bellarmine needed less than six minutes to take a 1-0 lead. Aviles converted from short range off Bernedo's team-high fourth assist to score his first collegiate goal.

After neither team scored the rest of the first half, Bellarmine struck quickly after the intermission. Following a steal, Girao ripped in a shot from 30 yards for his second goal of the season and a 2-0 lead less than two minutes into the second half.

While Missouri-St. Louis attempted nine shots, Bellarmine's defense didn't allow a single shot on goal. By contrast, six of the Knights' eight shots were on frame.

Bellarmine plays at 3:30 p.m. (ET) Sunday at Truman State.

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BOX SCORE (HTM)