NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Drake men's soccer got back on track after suffering its first loss of the year earlier this week with a crucial shutout win at Belmont tonight. The Bulldogs cashed in on a Preston Kipnusu goal in the first half and held on through the remainder for a 1-0 result in MVC play.

Kipnusu cashed in on the game's only score in the 24th minute after a perfectly placed assist by freshman Crew Alvarez. Neither team could find paydirt again in the opening stanza as Drake (7-1-6, 2-0-3) led 1-0 at the break.

Belmont (6-2-6, 1-2-2) evened the shot tally in the second half as both squads fired off six attempts each over the final 90 minutes. Despite the increase in Belmont action, Drake's defense matched with a sturdy stand down the stretch. The Bulldogs went on to win by the same 1-0 margin.

"I couldn't be prouder of the team than I am right now," Drake head coach Pat Flinn said. "Belmont is an organized, experienced group that is very difficult to beat, even more so at home. Tomas [Butkovic] and our backline played like animals tonight and Preston [Kipnusu] and Crew [Alvarez] were fantastic together up front. It's been a long road trip but we're happy with where we're at right now. Two big ones left…Go Dogs."

In addition to scoring the lone goal of the night, Kipnusu led all competitors with six total shots, three of which found the target. Chase Wakefield fired off two shots for Drake while Alvarez, Evan Carlson, and Landon Benge attempted one apiece.

Defensively, Tomas Butkovic logged his seventh shutout of the year while making three saves.

Drake is back in action next Friday for a Halloween hook-up at Western Michigan. The Bulldogs and Broncos are set for a 2:30 p.m. kick in Kalamazoo on Oct. 31.