LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University men's soccer team struck for two goals inside the first 15 minutes and successfully protected the early lead in pulling out a critical 2-1 win over North Florida on Saturday night in ASUN action at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.

Senior forward Juan Ballas recorded his first goal of the season and senior midfielder Jack Fischer notched his second for Bellarmine (4-2-6, 2-1-2 ASUN), which pocketed three valuable points with the conference victory.

Sophomore midfielder Ben Griffis collected an assist against North Florida (2-6-4, 0-4-1) as Bellarmine ran its unbeaten streak to five. Three of those in the stretch have been victories, including in the last two matches.

Perhaps inspired by a rowdy alumni section on Alumni Night, Bellarmine scored two quick goals against the ASUN's second-ranked defense that trailed only the Knights in goals-against average. In the fourth minute, Ballas intercepted a headed pass on UNF's backline and slotted a shot from 16 yards inside the far post for the 15th goal of his career.

Bellarmine pushed the lead to 2-0 in the 15th minute. Griffis had a shot in the box stopped by UNF's goalkeeper, but he collected the rebound and crossed to Fischer, who tapped it in from inside the 6.

Protecting leads has been an issue this season for Bellarmine, which could make a compelling argument that it should be neck-and-neck with ASUN leader Lipscomb. The Knights did have to sweat out the win over North Florida after Joaquin Acuna cut their lead in half in the 78th minute.

However, Bellarmine's defense stiffened, allowing the Ospreys only two more shots after the goal to preserve the crucial victory. Senior goalkeeper Matthew Brozovich registered three saves.

Bellarmine scored on two of its four shots in the first half. North Florida finished with a 19-10 advantage in shots, although the Knights' focus was on guarding the lead after their two quick goals.

Bellarmine will play its final nonconference game at 7:30 p.m. (ET) Tuesday at Belmont.

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