LIVESTRONG event is called-off for the spring

April 18, 2008

BELLEVUE, Neb. -- The men's soccer program has officially announced that the LIVESTRONG event that was scheduled for Saturday (Apr. 19) evening at 7:30 p.m. against Hastings College has been CANCELLED.

Due to the continued wet weather the Midwest has experienced causing poor field conditions, the LIVESTRONG Cancer Awareness event has been cancelled and not made-up this spring. We asked about the cancellation, head coach Matt Briggs responded, "We are disappointed that we were unable to host this event this spring. We will carry on with our cancer awareness and reschedule this event during one of our fall home matches."

For the remainder of the spring and summer months, the men's soccer program will still accept donations for the LIVESTRONG Foundation on their webpage. A logo will be available on the website.

Bruins season ends with loss to Kansas Wesleyan

The men's soccer team had their season end on Wednesday evening falling to Kansas Wesleyan University 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2007 Region IV Tournament hosted by Park University.

Kansas Wesleyan got on the board first with a goal by Jimi Gleason in the 26th minute from a Jose Garay corner kick assist to put the Coyotes up 1-0. Just after intermission, Kansas Wesleyan put up their second goal less than a minute into the second half on a Garay goal (45:57).

Bellevue University, 10-6-2, had 8 shots in the match, four from Ryan Pow and one each from Ryan Cantello, Casey Friend, Trevor Eastman and Daniel Januzzi. Sebastian Narvaez had 6 saves, but it wasn't enough allowing the two goals in the loss.

The Bruins were called for 22 fouls in the match to only 9 of the Coyotes taking 4 corner kicks, 3 in the second half.

Kansas Wesleyan, 14-4-2, had 13 shots getting a team-high four from Jose Garay and two each from Juan Mundo, Miguel Wenceslao and Gleason. Robert Carillo, the Coyote keeper, had 4 saves in the shut-out victory advancing to the championship match on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

A special thanks to senior's, Jon Pagel and Mark Bezy, for your years at Bellevue along with being a part of the programs success; a school record for victories in a season (18), a school record for longest winning streak (13), and hosting the first-ever region tournament in 2006.  Also, a thanks to your family and friends who have supported you in your career while at Bellevue.

PARKVILLE, MO -- Trevor Eastman turned and ran as fast as he could celebrating with his teammates at midfield after scoring the game-winning goal in the 96th minute of the MCAC Tournament at Julian Field on Saturday afternoon.

Casey Friend assisted on the goal to Eastman as the Park defender, Milan Ivanovic, had the ball stolen by Friend at the edge of the 18-yard box. Casey then passed it over to Eastman who rippled the net giving the Bruins their second straight MCAC Tournament Championship.

Bellevue, 10-5-2 on the season, defeated the host and No. 1 seed Park University, 1-0 in overtime after playing to a 0-0 by the end of regulation. Despite being out-shot by the Pirates, 24 to 7, the Bruins got the one that mattered most in the end.

Sebastian Narvaez, the freshman keeper from Cali, Columbia, had a superb match for Bellevue turning away shot after shot recording 9 saves with the victory. Eastman and Friend combined to take 4 of the team's 7 shots in the match.

The Bruins committed 20 fouls to only 8 of the home team. Both teams knew it would be a battle as the Pirates are now 7-2-0 on their home field, and rightfully so.

Bellevue was issued 37 fouls to 15 of Park in their two match-ups this season. The Bruins were also book 10 times, 6 yellow's and 4 red's, as Park had only 4 yellow's, none in the championship match or the night before against York.

Park University, 11-4-0, had 24 shots in the match, three each from James Katawja, Oscar Juma, and Mirsad Dzilic. The Pirates had 9 shots on goal while goal keeper, Matt Heiman, had one save in the loss.

Park will be the host site for the Region IV Tournament that will conclude on November 9-10. Bellevue will have to await the final rankings next week as their longo points will determine their seeding and a potential first-round host on November 7.

Next: NAIA Region IV Tournament (Nov. 7, 9-10)

(press release: courtesy Steve Wilson - Park SID)

PARKVILLE, MO - Jon Pagel scored 10 seconds into the first half and Bellevue University didn't look back from there, outscoring Oklahoma Wesleyan University 6-2 in semifinal action at the 2007 MCAC Men's Soccer Tournament at Julian Field.

Pagel scored twice for the Bruins (9-5-2), who raced out to four quick goals in the first 21 minutes of the game. Oklahoma Wesleyan (6-7-3) got five saves out of Vladan Glavonic, who played the last 71 minutes in goal for the Eagles.

After Pagel's first-minute goal put Bellevue up 1-0, the Bruins took a 2-0 lead 14 minutes into the game on a Casey Friend score that was assisted by Pagel.

Pagel got back in on the action four minutes later with an unassisted goal to go up 3-0, and the Bruins went up 4-0 in the 21st minute on Friend's second goal, which found the back of the net on a header that came from Ryan Pow's corner kick at the 24:31 mark in the first half.

Oklahoma Wesleyan notched one in the 43rd minute as time ran out on the first half, sending Bellevue to intermission up 4-1. Adam Nash started second-half scoring for the Eagles, putting a header through off of a corner kick from Marcus Wright to make it 4-2.

Bellevue put a finishing touch on the match, however, as Jhonathan Rico scored in the 83rd minute and Trevor Eastman finished it with a goal in the 88th minute.

Next: @ Park University; 2:30 p.m. (10/27)

The men's soccer win streak of three matches came to an end on Saturday afternoon in conference action against Park University. The Bruins (7-5-2) dropped the match 2-0 to the hands of the Pirates in what ended up being a colorful affair.

By the end of the match, 10 cards were issued, 6 to Bellevue and 4 to the host Pirates. Bellevue suffered the biggest hit being issued three red cards in the loss, two of which came inside 2 minutes.

Park University took a 1-0 lead on a unassisted Desmand Yankey goal in the 23rd minute and sealed the victory on a James Katawja goal in the 47th minute as the ball bounced around inside Bellevue's 6-yard box.

Bellevue had 7 shots in the match to 17 of Park (10-4-0) as 17 fouls were issued to the Bruins, only 7 to the Pirates at home.

Sebastian Narvaez had 5 saves in the match keeping busy for the Bruins picking up the loss as Matt Heiman had the shut-out victory also recording 5 saves for Park.

The men's soccer team will finish their conference schedule with a record of 3-1-0 and will get ready for the league tournament starting on October 26 hosted by Park University.

Bellevue, unofficially, will be the No. 2 seed in the tournament and will face the No. 3 seed, Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Times have yet to be determined.

Next: @ Concordia University (Neb.); 6 p.m. (10/23)

The women's and men's soccer team both stayed perfect in conference with a pair of victories on Wednesday afternoon in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The women's team improved to 7-5-2 overall and 4-0-0 in the conference with a convincing 8-0 win over Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

The Bruin women have won 6 of their last 7 matches winning five straight. With Wednesday's victory, Bellevue's match against Park University this weekend will determine the host site of the conference tournament beginning on October 26.

In the second match of the afternoon, the men's team picked up their second shutout in three matches with a 3-0 win against the host Eagles.

The men's soccer team improves to 7-4-2 overall and 3-0-0 in the conference causing a match-up this weekend that will also determine the host site of the conference tournament.

Bellevue and Park will face-off this Saturday in Parkville, Missouri at 2:30 p.m. following the women's match at 12 noon.

The men's soccer team fell to 4-4-2 on the year after suffering a 1-2 loss at the hands of Saint Ambrose University on Thursday afternoon. Bellevue, after their victory over top-rated William Jewell, hasn't recorded a victory over their past three matches.

Saint Ambrose scored first with a goal from Jim Cichon from Kyle Yager in the first minute of the match. Bellevue was down 0-1 at half with the host Fighting Bees holding a 9-3 edge on shots.

In the second half, Saint Ambrose took a 2-0 lead in the 64th minute on a Greg Lehman goal from Yager's second assist of the evening. Bellevue scored late in the 73rd minute when Jon Pagel rippled the net unassisted but the Bruins weren't able to score again to force overtime.

Bellevue had three shots from Jon Pagel, two on goal, while Adam Hooi and Casey Friend each had a shot in the loss. Sebastian Narvaez had 6 saves allowing 2 goals suffering his 4th loss of the year.

Saint Ambrose, 7-4-2, had four shots from Greg Lehman and two each from three other players. Justin DeSousa, the Fighting Bees goalkeeper, had a single save in the match allowing only one Bruin goal.

Next: Central Christian College; 3:30 p.m. (10/6)

The men's soccer team returns from this weekend without a victory after a 0-1 loss to Bethel College last Friday evening and a 3-3 double-overtime time draw against Kansas Wesleyan University on Saturday night.

Bellevue, 4-3-2 on the season, had 4 shots each by Jon Pagel and Jhonathan Rico in the tie against Kansas Wesleyan as the Bruins scored twice in the final nine mintues of the match sending it into overtime.

Tom Dodds scored in the 81st minute from Jon Pagel to pull within a goal at 2-3 then two minutes later, Casey Friend scored his forth goal of the year to even up the score. Bellevue was unable to make much happen in the two overtime frames being out-shot 5-1. Sebastian Narvaez will pick up the draw allowing the three goals with 8 saves.

Kansas Wesleyan, 5-3-1, had 7 shots each from Mario Rodriguez and Miguel Wenceslao as the team out-shot Bellevue 23-15. Daynon Kirby scored first for the host Coyotes to even up the match after Adam Hooi scored in the 7th minute.

Mario Rodriguez scored the next two goal for Kansas Wesleyan taking a two goal advantage before the Bruins roared back with a pair of late goals to tie. Ben Fetherston had 4 saves in the draw.

Next: @ Saint Ambrose University; 1 p.m. (9/27)

Bellevue University rebounded after their close loss to No. 3 rated Graceland University on Sunday, with an impressive 2-1 win over No. 1 rated William Jewell University on Tuesday evening.

The Bruins were all tied up at halftime against the Cardinals but a goal by Bellevue in the second half sealed the victory.

Bellevue improves to 4-2-1 overall on the season as William Jewell has now lost three straight matches.

Next: @ Bethel College; 7 p.m. (9/21)

OMAHA, NE - - Bellevue University fought a tough fight against the defending national champions, but fell short losing the match 2-1 to Graceland University on Sunday afternoon at Tranquility Park. Both teams played a scoreless match until Brian Loving scored for the visiting Yellowjackets taking a 1-0 lead. Bellevue tied up the match in the 50th minute when Jhonathan Rico scored to tie the match early in the second half but Graceland was able to notch the final goal in the 69th minute taking the victory.

Bellevue University, 3-2-1, lost their first match at home this season allowing the Yellowjackets to take 20 shots, 11 on goal, adding to that, a 6 to 9 disadvantage on corner kicks. The whistle blew often and a lot as Bellevue committed 15 fouls to 10 of Graceland as each team was booked four times with yellow cards.

Jon Pagel led the Bruins with 3 shots, 2 on goal, as Adam Hooi, Jhonathan Rico and Trevor Eastman each had 2 shots for the match. Rico picked up his team-leading fifth goal from an assist by Pagel in the 50th minute. Pagel who scored a hat-trick last night, recorded his first assist this season. Sebastian Narveaz will pick up the loss allowing the two goals with six saves to his credit.

Graceland University, 5-0-1, won both their matches this weekend at the Bruin Invitational. Kevin Souter picked up a pair of assists in the victory adding to his assist and goal on Friday’s victory over Oklahoma Christian University. His first assist this evening was to Brian Loving and his second led to the game-winning goal in the 69th minute to Filip Prostran. Carlos Ortiz will score the victory allowing the one goal registering 4 saves.

Next: @ #1 William Jewell College; 7:30 p.m.

OMAHA, NE - - Bellevue University picked up a 5-3 victory over Oklahoma Christian University on Saturday evening at Tranquility Park in the second day of the Bruin Invitational. The host Bruins needed only 47 seconds to get on the board as Jon Pagel put Bellevue up 1-0. Four minutes later, Pagel scored his second goal giving Bellevue a quick 2-0 lead inside five minutes.

Bellevue University, 3-1-1, carried a 2-1 lead into half-time after Christian Fernandes scored for Oklahoma Christian at the 38th minute mark. Pagel scored his third goal of the match in the 59th minute giving Bellevue a 3-1 lead. Freshman forward, Jhonathan Rico, scored his fourth goal of the season at minute 72:30 on a Daniel Januzzi assist putting Bellevue up 4-1.

In the final seven minutes of the match, both team combined for three goals started by Christian Fernandez scoring his second goal to close the gap at 4-2. A minute later, Trevor Eastman scored on a penalty-kick after Bryan Cochrum, Oklahoma goalkeeper, was given a red-card. The Eagles finalized the score at 5-3 after Preston Okwuonu rippled the net in the 87th minute.

Sebastian Narvaez, Bellevue’s goalkeeper, picked up the victory allowing three goals with 5 saves while Bryan Cochrum will record the loss for the visiting Eagles allowing 4 goals, also with 5 saves.

OMAHA, NE - - Graceland University, No. 3 in NAIA, opened up the Bruin Invitational with a 3-0 victory over Oklahoma Christian University on Friday evening at Tranquility Park. Graceland scored in the 10th minute of the match taking a 1-0 lead then scored twice more in the first half sealing the victory.

Graceland University, 4-0-1, got their first goal from Matt Klaus (9:58) from a Kevin Souter who scored later in the match. The Yellowjackets took a 2-0 lead when Filip Prostran and Matt Klaus recorded a double-assist to the head of Hunter Re’ who scored in the 15th minute. Souter sealed the victory with a goal in the 26th minute. Graceland had 12 shots in the match with Carlos Ortiz and Gage Tubbs picking up the shared shutout with 5 saves combined. Souter led the team with 4 shots, three from Klaus.

Oklahoma Christian University, 1-2-2, had a 3-2 edge in corner kicks over the rated Yellowjackets but committed 15 fouls to 14 of their opponents. Oklahoma Christian suffered the blunt of the whistle with three yellow-cards, two in the first period. Bryan Cochrum led the team with 3 shots while Christian Fernandes, Tyler Brady and Phillip Hoover had two shots each starting the match.

The Bellevue University Invitational will continue this Saturday as Oklahoma Christian University will face host Bellevue University (2-1-1) at 5 p.m. with the weekend concluding on Sunday at 5 p.m. with a match-up between Graceland University and Bellevue University.

Sept 14 - Graceland def. Oklahoma Christian, 3-0; Sept 15 - Bellevue v. Oklahoma Christian (5 p.m.); Sept 16 - Bellevue v. Graceland (5 p.m.)

The men's soccer team, rated No. 2 in Region IV, suffered their first loss of the 2007 campaign to the hands of undefeated Benedictine College, 0-4, in Atchison, Kansas Tuesday afternoon.

Bellevue failed to score a goal for the first time this season as Benedictine continues to score, pushing their goals on the season to 24 compared to 3 of their opponents.

The Bruins will regroup as they get prepared for this weekend's tough matches against Oklahoma Christian University and the 2006 NAIA National Champions, Graceland University.

Next: Oklahoma Christian University; 5 p.m.

The men's soccer team opened their weekend with a 2-1 victory over Columbia College on Friday evening in Missouri. Bellevue, despite being out-shot 12-8, picked up the match-winning goal late to improve to 2-0 on the season.

Casey Friend, a sophomore, scored the match-winning goal late in the second half giving the Bruins a much needed 2-1 victory. Friend had two shots on the night, both on goal, while Adam Hooi, and Jhonathan Rico also recorded two shots each. Rico, scored the Bruin's first goal in the 20th minute with the assist from Ryan Cantello.

Columbia College fell to 0-4 on the season with their lone goal also being scored late in the second period. Columbia had 12 shots in the match holding a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Next: vs. Mid-Continent University; 4:30 p.m.

OMAHA, NE - -The Men’s Soccer team won their season opener 3-1 against Dordt College after waiting a few extra days from Tuesday’s rainout. Bellevue scored early at the 16 minute mark taking a 1-0 lead and didn’t look back. The Bruins and Defenders struggled early trying to maintain possession, but Bellevue was able to string together some connections late for 8 shots, 4 on goal, in the first half.

Dordt College, 2-1, losing for the first time this year, came out strong in the second half taking over the momentum, but Bellevue was able to withstand the Defender attack when Jhonathan Rico (Cali, Colombia) scored his first goal for the Bruins from Casey Friend, his first assist of 2007.

Ryan Coon, a 2006 All-Conference player in the GPAC, scored Dordt’s only goal in the 75^th minute, but shortly after, Jhonthan Rico, scored for the second time putting the Bruins up 3-1 to seal the victory.

Bellevue, 1-0, got three saves from Sebastian Narveaez and 5 shots, 2 on goal, from freshman Rico in 65 minutes. Junior’s Adam Hooi (Omaha, NE) and transfer, Trevor Eastman, each had 2 shots while Casey Friend (New Iberia, LA) scored and had an assist in the victory.