Bellevue shuts out Doane to kick off 2023

CRETE, Neb. -- Álvaro Moros Sanz and Ombeni Mubake scored first half goals and Taariq Ganga totaled eight saves in the Bellevue University men's soccer team's 2-0 season-opening victory over Doane University on Thursday evening.

Bellevue came out on the front foot, pressuring Doane from the opening whistle as the Bruin put a pair of early shots on frame.

Their work was rewarded in the 13^th minute. Samuel Montanez mishit a clearance attempt that saw the ball deflect up in the air. Álvaro Moros Sanz, pressuring Montanez into that error, hit a volley from the edge of the 18 and into the net for a 1-0 Bruin advantage.

Taariq Ganga made five of his eight saves in the first half, including several at the crossbar to keep BU in front.

A Bruin attacker looked to be bodied off the ball in the area but the penalty shout went unheard in the 38^th minute.

Ombeni Mubake doubled the Bellevue lead two minutes before the halftime whistle, turning and slotting home a shot inside the far post from the outside the six.

Doane, a team Bellevue trounced 8-0 to open last season, appeared much improved. The Tigers peppered the goal with 13 shots, with eight coming on frame, to BU's 14 shots. Bellevue also put eight shots on target with Montanez finishing with six saves for Doane.

Bellevue welcomes Clarke University to Papillion Landing at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 for the Bruins' home opener.