JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University men's soccer earned a 1-0 victory over Bellarmine on Saturday evening at Southern Oak Stadium, behind a first-half goal from Jake Waters and a shutout performance from goalkeeper Simen Havig.
The Dolphins (5-5-3, 1-3-2 ASUN) struck early in the 18th minute when Waters found the back of the net off an assist from Nahne Paulsen. The goal marked Waters' first of the season and proved to be the difference as Jacksonville held off the Knights (6-3-4, 1-3-2 ASUN). The freshman has been with the program for only the month of October, making an early difference in his stint.
Jacksonville controlled the attacking opportunities in the opening half, recording five shots while limiting Bellarmine to just one. Mathias Mjaavatn and Romain Spailier each put attempts on target later in the half, but both were turned away by Knights goalkeeper Benny Howard.
Bellarmine increased its offensive pressure after halftime, outshooting Jacksonville 6-0 in the second half and earning six corner kicks. However, the Dolphins' defense held firm, keeping the Knights off the scoreboard to preserve the one-goal advantage.
Havig played all 90 minutes in goal, recording one save to secure the clean sheet. Spailier led Jacksonville with two shots, while Waters, Mjaavatn and Leo Santos each added one.
The Dolphins finished with five shots, including three on goal, while Bellarmine recorded seven shots with one on target.
Bellarmine's final shot on goal came in the 89th minute, when Havig denied Jack Raulston to seal the victory.
Up Next
Jacksonville will look to build on Saturday's conference victory as they host the Mercer Bears for Senior Day on Tuesday.
