Peoria, IL -- The Bradley Braves ended their five-game losing streak with a 1-0 win over Belmont, securing their first Missouri Valley Conference victory of the 2024 season.
Final Score: Bradley Braves 1 - Belmont Bruins 0
Final Box: [Here]
Match Recap
The Braves secured a much-needed win at E.S. Rose Park, edging Belmont 1-0 in a closely contested match. After five consecutive losses, Bradley finally found their breakthrough thanks to a 56th-minute header from Ian Ferguson. The goal came from a perfectly executed set-piece, with Joao Saraiva's freekick finding Charlie Dickerson, whose header assist set up Ferguson for his second season goal.
Both teams recorded eight shots during the match, with the Braves evenly splitting their attempts across both halves. Belmont pressed hard in the second half, earning six corner kicks to Bradley's three, but BU's defense stood strong. Goalkeeper Drew Berry made four key saves, two in each half to preserve the clean sheet.
Bradley's defense remained composed throughout, especially in a physical second half that saw 23 fouls between both sides. Belmont, unable to capitalize on their extra set-piece opportunities, couldn't break down the Braves, who defended resolutely to seal the win.
The victory brings the Braves to a 4-6-1 record overall and 1-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference, marking their first MVC win of the season.
Highlights
56" Goal by Ian Ferguson
What's Next?
Bradley will travel to Lexington, KY, to face Kentucky on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 7:00 PM. The Braves return home to Shea Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, for a 1:00 PM match against Drake, which will be streamed live on ESPN+.
