LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University men's soccer team exploded for three second-half goals in rallying to defeat Xavier 3-1 on Saturday night in Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.

Redshirt junior midfielders Cade Morgan and Tate McCrery and senior defender Rhys Davies registered a goal apiece for Bellarmine (1-1-1), which was victorious in its home opener. Sophomore midfielder Nick Harshaw and redshirt senior midfielder Jackson Marks notched an assist each against Xavier (1-1).

Bellarmine trailed 1-0 at halftime after Xavier converted on a free kick just outside the box in the 13th minute. The Knights equalized the contest early in the second half, as Morgan stole a pass on the back line and laced a shot inside the near post to knot it at 1 in the 47th minute. It was the first goal of his collegiate career.

A little over three minutes later, McCrery catapulted Bellarmine into the lead. After a throw-in, Harshaw headed the ball to Marks, who quickly tapped to McCrery near the center of the box. His shot from 12 yards appeared to be partially deflected by a Xavier defender but skipped inside the right post for a 2-1 advantage. It was the third goal of McCrery's career, and his second game-winner.

Not long after a Xavier player was issued a red card, Bellarmine added an insurance goal when Davies sank a penalty kick in the 75th minute. It was his first goal as a Knight.

Despite playing a man down, Xavier's offense continued to generate shots, although the Musketeers never trimmed the deficit. XU finished with a 21-9 advantage in attempts, including 10-5 on goal.

Redshirt senior goalkeeper Peter Van Euwen racked up nine saves for Bellarmine, which will play at 7:30 p.m. (ET) Tuesday at Belmont.

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