Bruins earn away draw with #22 Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. -- Sophomore Rob Smith scored a first half goal and junior Ben Martin made eight saves in goal to help the No. 18 Bellevue University men's soccer team earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw at No. 22 Hastings College on Tuesday afternoon in a battle of ranked teams.

Bellevue got off to a great start, striking first in the sixth minute, when Rob Smith found the back of the net for the fourth time this season. Martin and the BU defense would make that lead stand through the halftime whistle, as the Bruins led 1-0 after the opening 45 minutes.

The Bruin lead would hold until Felix Proessl pulled Hastings level with a goal in the 60^th minute of a pass from Damien Austen. The Broncos threatened numerous times throughout the remainder of regulation but couldn't get the decisive goal, leading to extra time.

In extra time, Hastings recorded all eight shots between the two sides and won all three corners that were awarded. Martin was up to task in goal and the BU line held sturdy enough to not allow Hastings to put anything past.

Hastings took control of the stat sheet, out-shooting the visiting Bruins by a 24-6 margin, putting nine shots on frame while limiting the Bruins to just four shots on target. Hastings also held a sizable 11-2 edge in corners for the match but the BU defense played their trademark physical style and limited Hastings to just the one goal.

The Bruins remain unbeaten and now own a record of 1-0-3 in four matches against teams that are ranked or receiving votes this season. Additionally, BU is now 1-1-3 in matches requiring extra time.

Bellevue (8-2-4) has a week off before traveling to Lamoni, Iowa for a 7 p.m. match against Graceland to wrap up their non-conference slate.