Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Bellarmine University Athletics

Nolan McGrath
John Sommers II
1
North Florida UNF (2-5-1, 0-3-0)
2
Winner Bellarmine BELL (5-4-1, 1-2-0)
North Florida UNF
(2-5-1, 0-3-0)
1
Final
2
Bellarmine BELL
(5-4-1, 1-2-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 OT 1 OT 2 F
North Florida UNF 0 1 0 0 1
Bellarmine BELL 1 0 0 1 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | by Adam Pruiett, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

McGrath nets golden goal in 2OT as men's soccer triumphs 2-1 over UNF

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sophomore forward Nolan McGrath scored with less than three minutes remaining in the second overtime to send the Bellarmine University men's soccer team to an exhilarating 2-1 victory over North Florida on Saturday night in ASUN action at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.

Senior midfielder Micah Linscott scored in the first half for Bellarmine (5-4-1, 1-2 ASUN), which collected its first conference win of the season. Junior forward Juan Ballas and senior defender Nate Girao had one assist each against North Florida (2-5-1, 0-3).

With less than seven minutes remaining in regulation time, North Florida knotted the contest at 1-all as Joaquin Acuna headed in a cross from Igor Martins. The Ospreys had seized momentum in the second half after Bellarmine dominated the first stanza.

After neither team found the net in the first overtime, Bellarmine ended it in the 108th minute. Junior midfielder Camden Dunne was the triggerman. He made a timely slide about 30 yards out to poke the ball ahead and maintain possession for the Knights.

Dunne pushed forward to Girao near the top of the box, and Girao eluded a defender with a dribble and passed toward the 6 to McGrath. He was ready for a deflection off the defender marking him, immediately shooting off the carom and lacing the ball inside the far post for the golden goal. It was McGrath's second goal of the season.

Bellarmine had grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute. Ballas battled in the box to clear room for a cross that Linscott redirected into the net with his shoulder for his second goal of the season and 28th of his career.

Bellarmine easily could have had a two- or even three-goal lead. Linscott and Ballas were both maddeningly close to tacking on insurance goals. The Knights made Gilley Padraic earn his seven saves.

Bellarmine's defense didn't allow North Florida a shot in the first half, but the Ospreys found a rhythm and controlled a big portion of the second half. They had 10 shots in the second stanza and four more in the second overtime — McGrath converted on Bellarmine's lone shot in the second extra session.

Ultimately, Bellarmine finished with a 17-15 advantage in shots, including 9-3 on frame.

Bellarmine plays next Saturday at FGCU in an ASUN contest.

For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow us on Twitter (@BUKnights), Instagram (BUKnights) and Facebook (BUKnights).
 
 
 
Print Friendly Version