The Valparaiso University men’s soccer team went on the road to Belmont Saturday to continue Horizon League play and came home from Nashville with three points, as the Crusaders scored a pair of second-half goals for a 2-1 victory over the Bruins.

How It Happened

• The Crusaders put four shots on goal in the first half, out-shooting Belmont 6-4 over the opening 45 minutes, but the game went into halftime scoreless.
• Valpo claimed the lead in the 59th minute, as senior Deven Mason (Albuquerque, N.M./Eldorado [Virginia Tech]) played a cross into the box which met fellow senior Nelson Landaverde (Santa Ana, El Salvador/Springdale (Ark.) H.S. [Neosho County C.C.]). Landaverde tucked it away from in front of goal to give the Crusaders the 1-0 edge.
• But Belmont equalized within the minute, as Nat Hubert connected on a free kick from straight on, just outside the 18-yard box.
• The Crusaders found the match-winning goal in the 66th minute. Junior Ramone Howell (Portmore, Jamaica/Jamaica College) took a ball which was deflected in the area and knocked it in to give Valpo the 2-1 lead. Senior Isaiah Madrid (Albuquerque, N.M./Eldorado [FGCU]) picked up the assist on the match-winner.
• Valpo held the one-goal advantage through the end of 90 minutes, escaping trouble in the 83rd minute when the Bruins’ AJ Arnold hit the woodwork.

Inside the Game

• Both Landaverde and Howell found the back of the net for the second time this season. Howell’s match-winner was the second-such goal of his career, both of which have come within Horizon League play.
• Mason’s assist on the Crusaders’ first goal was his first point in a Valpo uniform.
• Madrid recorded his second assist of the season and fourth of his career. Through just 23 career games, the senior has tallied 22 points.
• Valpo ended the match with a slight 13-11 advantage in shots, including a 7-4 edge in efforts on frame. Senior Nico Campbell (Kingston, Jamaica/St. George’s College) earned the win in goal, making three saves.

Thoughts From Head Coach Mike Avery

“We felt like we let a few points slip away at home last weekend and we were very determined to take a few road points back today. I was pleased with the performance overall, even if there are a few lessons we still haven't fully grasped. The team is growing, though, and sticking together in a tough road environment is an important part of that process.”

“We now get a bit of a fun change of pace with a game in the midweek at Ohio State before next weekend's big Horizon League game at Cleveland State. It's always an exciting challenge to visit a Big 10 campus, and I know we are all looking forward to our trip to Columbus.”

Next Up

The Crusaders (2-1-2, 1-0-1 Horizon) step out of league play as they continue their stretch of road fixtures with a Wednesday evening match at Ohio State. The game will be available live online on BTN Plus, while live stats will also be available via ValpoAthletics.com.