KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Freshman forward Juan Ballas scored his first collegiate goal on sophomore goalkeeper Connor Range's first career assist as the Bellarmine University men's soccer team notched a 1-0 victory Sunday over Truman State at Stokes Stadium in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

Bellarmine (5-0-2, 2-0-2 GLVC) dealt with weather issues all weekend. The Truman State match started late due to a weather delay. Two days earlier, with the scored tied at 2-2, Bellarmine's match with Quincy was ruled a no contest after the teams did not complete 70 minutes of play before inclement weather forced the stoppage of the game.

After a heavy rainfall, the Knights and Bulldogs (3-3, 3-2) were slipping and sliding on the slick surface, particularly in the first half. However, the match didn't experience a delay once play began, and Bellarmine was rewarded late for a second half it firmly controlled with a deciding goal.

It was delivered in the 78th minute. Range sent a booming kick up the middle of the field, and the chase was on between Ballas and the TSU defense. Ballas reached the ball first and quickly slotted a low shot just inside the far post for a 1-0 lead.

Inside the last 10 minutes, Bellarmine nearly added an insurance goal before a Bulldog defender made a defensive save to clear a would-be goal. Truman State nearly scored the tying goal, but Range lunged to make a critical save in knocking away a shot that was headed toward the net.

Range collected two saves as Bellarmine posted its third shutout. The Knights held an 18-7 advantage in shots, including 10-2 in the second half. They also had a 10-2 advantage in shots on goal.

Bellarmine hosts Missouri-St. Louis at 6:30 p.m. (ET) Friday.

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