DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake men's soccer team (2-8-2, 1-4-1) fell behind early and could not finish a late comeback effort in a loss to rival Bradley (5-4-5, 1-4-0) tonight. The Braves never trailed after scoring a first-half goal and held off a Drake charge in the final moments.
Both teams probed through and around each other's defenses through the first portion of the opening half until Bradley's Pepe Mellado found paydirt. Mellado scored his first goal of the season, an unassisted score, in the 26th stanza to give the visiting Braves a 1-0 advantage.
Drake had a handful of opportunities in the first half but could not strike first or even the tally as Bradley carried their 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
The Braves added to their lead midway through the second half when Ian Ferguson came on as a reserve and was assisted by Caleb Ribeiro for his second goal of the season.
The Bulldogs began their chase as they turned up the heat and attempted to mount a comeback. Despite their amped up pressure, Drake's rally culminated too late as
Brennan Rzewuski was assisted by
Eskil Gjerde and
Jackson Kirsch with just over 30 seconds remaining in the match. Rzewuski's goal was his first of the year.
The clock expired shortly after the next kickoff as Bradley captured the 2-1 win, their second-straight over the Bulldogs dating back to last season.
The Bulldogs outshot Bradley 11-5 overall and 6-2 in shots on target while also taking seven corner kicks to the Braves' one. In goal, Bradley's Drew Berry made five saves.
"Another tough result [tonight]," Drake head coach Pat Flinn said. "It was a beautiful night for soccer, and we had an awesome crowd supporting us. Big thanks to Des Moines Soccer Club, Ames Soccer Club, and VSA Rush for their turnout tonight."
"The struggles we're enduring right now need to push us to do more," Flinn continued. "Down the stretch and in preparation for the future."
Drake will remain in Des Moines for their final home match of the season this Sunday, Oct. 22. The Bulldogs will host Bowling Green at 1 p.m. and celebrate Senior Day against the MVC-newcomer Falcons.
