LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jacksonville men's soccer ended its season Monday night, falling to Bellarmine University 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the ASUN Conference semifinals at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.
The Dolphins finish the season 6-7-5 overall (2-2-2 ASUN), while the Knights (8-3-5, 3-1-2) advance to the championship match.
Jacksonville took the lead in the 24th minute of the first half on a goal by sophomore midfielder Iver Skorve. Skorve was set up by a precise pass from Diego Valles, putting the Dolphins ahead 1-0.
Bellarmine answered late in the first half after a foul inside the box resulted in a penalty kick. Defender Rhys Davies converted the shot in the 42nd minute, tying the score at 1-1.
The remainder of the match—including 68 minutes of tense play across the second half and two overtime periods—was a showcase of defense and goalkeeping. Jacksonville keeper Christian Sekanina was outstanding, recording five saves to keep the game deadlocked. Bellarmine's Peter Van Euwen finished with seven saves.
With the score locked at 1-1 after 110 minutes, the match moved to a penalty shootout.
In the crucial shootout, Jacksonville converted the two of its four attempts, with successful strikes from Juan Pablo Gonzalez and Felix Kogler. However, Bellarmine finished 4-3 in the tiebreaker after two consecutive Jacksonville attempts were saved, securing the victory and ending the Dolphins' tournament run.
