Bruins down FNU, 1-0, to repeat in Lawrenceville

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- On a night where Oumar Sissoko scored the lone goal, it was the defense that shone brightest for the No. 8-ranked Bellevue University men's soccer team in their 1-0 win over Florida National University in the Continental Athletic Conference Championship match on Saturday evening.

Records:

#8 Bellevue: 15-2-2
Florida National: 9-4-2

Bruins 1, FNU 0

Florida National had the first dangerous look at goal when Blas Barrancos 16^th minute saw his header turned aside by AJ Jarvis for a corner kick.

Bellevue spent much of the first half simply content to feel out FNU while pushing forward when the situation called for it.

As such, BU – who only took one first half shot – scored on their first shot of the game. The Bruins opened the scoring in the 34^th minute as Antonio Capra settled a cross from the far sideline and slipped a pass back to Oumar Sissoko. Sissoko ran onto the pass and ripped a shot, first touch, inside the near post from 15 yards.

The Conquistadors out-shot Bellevue 7-1 and 4-1 on frame in the first half but nearly all of their attempts came from distance and posed little difficulty for Jarvis.

Much as they had in the first half, Florida National controlled the majority of second half possession. Despite this, scoring chances were again limited for the Conquistadors to shots from distance that rarely troubled Jarvis.

Bellevue had a golden chance for an insurance strike just past the hour-mark but FNU's Rodrigo Festuccia came up with a huge save on Alvaro Capra's point-blank shot.

Few opportunities presented themselves to either side until the 80^th minute when Florida National won a free kick from 30 yards but Tomas Casavilla sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

That served as FNU's last real look as the Bruins held on to claim their 11^th conference tournament championship.

Oumar Sissoko, AJ Jarvis, Toby Millward, and Andy Wilkinson each earned CAC All-Tournament team honors. In addition, Wilkinson earned distinction as the CAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

Coach Mark Heath-Preston:

"Another solid performance against a good team. We remain together as a team to go again next week. I'm proud of all the team, coaching staff, and everyone else that travelled with us. Up the Bruins!"

Man of the Match:

Andy Wilkinson

Up Next:

Bellevue will learn of its NAIA Opening Round assignment during the Men's Soccer National Tournament Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 15 at noon.

Notes:

• Bellevue wins their 11^th Conference Tournament Title and fourth in the Independent/A.I.I./CAC member ('08, '09, '20, '21).
• With their 10^th shutout of the season, the Bruins equal the program record for shutouts in a season.
• The Bruins have now posted nine clean sheets in their last 10 games, allowing just one goal since Sept. 18.