Men’s soccer falls to Belmont in SoCon quarterfinals

Men’s soccer lost to the Belmont Bruins in the SoCon quarterfinals on Nov. 8 in Greensboro, North Carolina. This concludes the season for the Blue and Gold with a record of 8-8-2 for the regular season and 4-2 in the conference. 

“There is always progress to be made,” said coach David Casper. “I think this year we learned how to compete very well. The next step is to learn how to win on a more consistent basis.”

For the first 15 minutes of the game, the teams took turns taking shots, totaling three shots each with only one on goal per team. 

Just over 15 minutes later, Belmont took the first goal of the game by two Bruins who sent the ball low to one of their own. The Bruins took no time planting the ball into the net and putting the first goal up on the board. 

The Blue and Gold were unable to gain possession of the ball after that point and did not get another shot in until the 45th minute, when freshman Keiran Richards (Hamilton, New Zealand) sent one across the face of the goal but ended in a goal kick. 

“Keiran had a great season for us,” said Casper. “He’s a very talented player, somebody we relied on a lot this year we’re very excited to have him, and for the future he will have here.”

The Bruins outshot the Bucs 6-4 during the first half and were awarded two corner kicks to ETSU’s one. 

The Bucs had an early chance to even out the score early in the second half when Richards sent the ball over Bruin’s defense and to the feet of redshirt sophomore Jordan Broadwater (Kingsport, Tennessee). Broadwater then sent the ball over the net. 

Belmont received a penalty kick at minute 83, which allowed their player to send the ball into the left side of the net. This secured their place in the semifinals against UNCG. 

Overall, the Buccaneers outshot Belmont 13-11, but the Bruins had the advantage of 6-3 on goal.

“I want to highlight the seniors and that we’re extremely grateful for them,” said Casper. “They’ve meant a lot to the program and have been successful in their time here. I think this group is the most successful group in ETSU history if I’m not mistaken in terms of wins and losses. I’m very proud of them and what they’ve done for us.”

The Bucs will be back next fall for the 2020-21 season.