CEDARVILLE, Ohio — The Bellarmine University men's soccer team opened its 2018 campaign Thursday with a 1-0 victory over Cedarville at Yellow Jacket Field.

In his collegiate debut, freshman midfielder Nate Girao scored the game-winner in the 80th minute for Bellarmine (1-0), which played the first of seven straight road matches to start the season. Girao won a scramble for the ball in the box and laced a shot from 15 yards inside the far post.

The goal late in the second half against Cedarville (0-1) was perhaps a long time coming for Bellarmine, which outshot the Yellow Jackets 16-2. Eight of the Knights' attempts were on frame. An exceptional effort from Cedarville goalkeeper Carter Selvius, who collected seven saves, was the primary reason Bellarmine didn't score three or four goals.

In his collegiate debut, Bellarmine freshman goalkeeper Connor Range registered his first career shutout. Range only needed to make one save as the Knights' defense was stout throughout the contest.

Bellarmine largely controlled both halves. The Knights had a 6-1 advantage in shots before halftime and a 10-1 superiority in the second half.

Bellarmine plays at 5 p.m. (ET) Saturday at Trevecca Nazarene.

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BOX SCORE (HTM)