Bellarmine Storms Back from Early Deficit to Defeat Xavier 3-1 Knights Score Three Unanswered Goals in Second Half Despite Playing Down a Man
CINCINNATI, OH – Bellarmine mounted a spectacular comeback to defeat Xavier 3-1 at Xavier University Soccer Complex, overturning an early deficit with three second-half goals to secure a commanding victory on Friday evening.
The match began with Xavier seizing the initiative through Cooper Forcellini's 12th-minute strike. The midfielder converted from a free kick situation, finding the lower right corner with his right foot to give the Musketeers an early advantage. Forcellini's goal capped off a promising opening spell for Xavier, who appeared to settle into a comfortable rhythm after taking the lead.
The first half saw Xavier maintain their slender advantage despite Bellarmine creating several promising opportunities. The Knights registered four shots in the opening 45 minutes, with goalkeeper Jonny Mennell making crucial saves to preserve Xavier's lead. Johan Nissen-Lie came closest for the visitors, testing Mennell with a dangerous effort that sailed high over the crossbar in the 29th minute.
The match's complexion changed dramatically in the second half as Bellarmine emerged with renewed purpose. Just 35 seconds after the restart, Cade Morgan drew the Knights level with a clinical finish into the lower left corner. The midfielder's unassisted strike caught Xavier off guard and immediately shifted momentum toward the visitors.
Bellarmine capitalized on their newfound confidence just three minutes later when Tate McCrery put them ahead in the 50th minute. The goal showcased excellent team play, with both Nick Harshaw and Jackson Marks credited with assists in a move that demonstrated the Knights' improved cohesion after the interval.
Xavier's task became significantly more challenging in the 71st minute when defender Jabari De Coteau received a red card for abusive conduct, reducing the Musketeers to ten men for the final 19 minutes. Playing with a numerical disadvantage, Xavier struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities while Bellarmine pressed for a decisive third goal.
The Knights sealed their victory in the 74th minute through an unlikely source – defender Rhys Davies converting from the penalty spot. Davies stepped up after his team earned a penalty kick and calmly slotted the ball into the lower right corner to complete Bellarmine's remarkable turnaround.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Xavier refused to surrender and created several late chances. Nathan Trickett came agonizingly close to reducing the deficit in the 87th minute, striking the left post with a well-struck effort that epitomized the Musketeers' frustrating afternoon.
Peter Van Euwen proved instrumental in Bellarmine's victory, making six saves throughout the match. The goalkeeper was particularly impressive in the final stages, denying Xavier's desperate attempts to find a way back into the contest with a series of crucial interventions.
The statistics tell the story of a closely contested encounter that swung dramatically after halftime. While Xavier outshot Bellarmine 21-9 overall, the Knights were more clinical with their opportunities, converting three of their five shots on target compared to Xavier's single goal from ten attempts.
Bellarmine's tactical adjustments at halftime proved decisive, as they dominated the second period while maintaining defensive discipline despite Xavier's late pressure. The Knights' ability to capitalize on their numerical advantage after De Coteau's dismissal demonstrated their tactical maturity and finishing quality when it mattered most.
Key Players
- Peter Van Euwen (Bellarmine) - Made six crucial saves including several spectacular stops in the final stages to preserve the victory
- Cade Morgan (Bellarmine) - Scored the equalizing goal and provided energy in midfield during the second-half comeback
- Cooper Forcellini (Xavier) - Scored Xavier's lone goal and led the team with three shots, two on target