NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Drake men's soccer (2-6-1, 1-2-0) fell in a tightly-contested match at Belmont (5-3-2, 1-2-0) this afternoon. The Bulldogs could not hold on to a late lead as Belmont netted two clutch goals to escape with the home win.

Both teams sorted through the first half of play with no blood drawn. The Bruins showcased a more aggressive attack in the opening period with eight shots to Drake's one, but the Bulldog's stout defense kept the hosts off the scoreboard.

Goalkeeper Quinn Millerd, in his first start of the season, made three saves in the first half.

Belmont kept their foot on the gas after the halftime break, but Drake was up for the challenge and matched their energy. The Bulldogs managed four shots in the second half and finally broke the scoreless tie on an AJ Franklin penalty kick goal in the 65th minute.

Drake took their lead into the final few minutes of the match where the Bruins came up clutch. Dylan Steely scored his third goal of the season in the 82nd minute to draw even. Moments later, Brock Kiper netted his fourth score of the year and the eventual game-winning goal in the 85th stanza. Belmont's Jansen Wilson assisted on both Bruin goals.

The 2-1 score held through brief remainder of the match as Belmont escaped with the victory.

Franklin's goal came on three shots, all of which were on goal. His co-captain Kai Knuchel was the only other Drake player to attempt a shot.

Millerd finished the match with six saves as he played all 90 minutes for the Bulldogs.

"Quinn [Millerd] was a real bright spot [for us] today," Drake head coach Pat Flinn said. "It was his first start in goal [this season], and he made some great saves that gave us a chance to get a result on the road. Unfortunately, we did not close the game out."
 
Drake will return home next weekend for their first of two-straight home tilts. Flinn's squad will host MVC-newcomer Northern Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.