INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Bellarmine (7-3-2) secured a crucial 1-0 road victory over IU Indy (4-6-3) on Tuesday evening at Carroll Stadium, extending their winning streak to two matches while dealing the hosts their third consecutive defeat.
Alex Halevy provided the decisive moment for Bellarmine in the 12th minute, firing a shot into the top left corner that proved to be the game's only goal. The Knights' early breakthrough came after sustained pressure in the opening quarter hour, with Johan Nissen-Lie testing the IU Indy defense with two dangerous attempts before Halevy's strike.
The first half saw Bellarmine control much of the possession, with Nissen-Lie particularly active in the attacking third. The Knights generated multiple scoring opportunities, including a close-range effort from Halevy in the 14th minute and another Nissen-Lie attempt in the 17th minute that sailed just wide. IU Indy's Quentin Flowers responded with a promising shot in the 19th minute, but couldn't find the target.
The second half featured increased urgency from IU Indy, with Jose Antonio Herrera leading the charge. Herrera forced a save in the 69th minute and came close again in the 83rd minute with a low drive toward the left corner. The Greyhounds' pressure intensified after Spencer Holland received a yellow card in the 64th minute for unsporting behavior, but Bellarmine's defense held firm.
Statistically, IU Indy outshot Bellarmine 13-11 overall, though both teams managed three shots on target. The Greyhounds earned nine corner kicks to Bellarmine's five, highlighting their improved second-half pressure. The match's physical nature was evident with multiple fouls called on both sides, including infractions from Nikolai Zapolskikh and Brady Horn for IU Indy.
Individual performances shaped the contest significantly. Bellarmine's Tate McCrery demonstrated excellent defensive awareness, while Nick Harshaw provided a constant attacking threat before being substituted in the 68th minute. For IU Indy, Tyson Aschliman created several dangerous moments before being withdrawn in the 74th minute.
The tactical battle evolved throughout the match, with Bellarmine initially pressing high before adopting a more conservative approach after taking the lead. IU Indy's tactical shift in the second half, introducing fresh attackers and pushing numbers forward, created sustained pressure but couldn't break through the organized Knights' defense.
This result continues contrasting trajectories for both programs. Bellarmine's seventh win of the season strengthens their conference position, while IU Indy's third straight loss adds pressure to their upcoming fixtures. The Knights' defensive organization proved crucial, securing their fourth clean sheet of the campaign.
Looking ahead, Bellarmine returns home to face Central Arkansas on October 18 at 7:00 PM, while IU Indy travels to Northern Kentucky on October 18 for a 4:00 PM kickoff. Both teams will aim to carry forward the intensity displayed in this tightly contested match.