Late Penalty Kick Lifts Bruins Past MTSU

August 27, 2014

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Late game heroics once again came to the rescue for the Belmont women's soccer team on a hot and sunny day at Rose Park Sunday afternoon as the Bruins used a golden goal penalty kick from freshman standout Belicia Mendiola(McKinney, Texas) in the 97th minute of the match as Belmont defeated Middle Tennessee, 1-0.

The Bruins, fresh off a thrilling 2-1 victory over Valparaiso on Friday, came out on the attack in the first half as Belmont used an aggressive style of play to control the tempo throughout the much of the first period.

The defense held the Blue Raiders without a shot through the first 45 minutes of play but BU couldn't capitalize on a few solid chances on goal as the teams headed into the locker room tied, 0-0.

Middle Tennessee's offense rallied in the second half as the Blue Raiders notched all five of their shot attempts in the second period, but only one proved to be on goal as the Bruins held on to force overtime.

Play stayed the same throughout most of the overtime session as both teams failed to get any good looks at the goal.

That changed in the 97th minute as Mendiola once again provided late game heorics for the Bruins after sophomore Meg Howard (Brentwood, Tenn.) was fouled in the box setting up the potential game-winning penalty kick.

The kick soared past the keepers outstretched arms as Mendiola secured her second game winning goal on the young season, her third overall, as the Bruins defeated Middle Tennessee for the first time since 2008 to enhance their season record to 2-0-0. MT falls to 0-1-0 on the year.

Belmont outshot MT, 9-5, on the match and also held a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.

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