Bradley soccer’s hunt for their first conference win pressed on as they travelled to Evansville on Oct. 24 to take on the Purple Aces.
The Braves were able to jump ahead early thanks to sophomore defender Anel Kafedzic, who remained onside just long enough to receive a cross from outside the box and volley the ball into the back of the net in the seventh minute of the match.
This goal was the second of the year for Kafedzic, a transfer from Lindenwood, who also scored in Bradley’s previous match against Western Michigan. Junior forward Mitch Coughlon was credited with an assist on the goal, his first of the season.
The Braves remained ahead for the next 20 minutes until a foul by sophomore midfielder Ardit Abdullai gave Evansville sophomore defender Martin Wurschmidt a penalty kick, which he slotted into the back of the net to equalize the match at one all.
Neither side could muster much offense for the remainder of the first half as the Aces had the only shot until the break. The second half was a different story, as Evansville was able to get off 16 shots opposed to Bradley’s four.
Only five of the Aces’ second-half shots were on goal, each saved by Braves senior goalkeeper Drew Berry. With neither team being able to break the deadlock, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
The draw moves Bradley to 2-7-6 on the year with a conference record of 0-3-2. Evansville remains undefeated in conference, with a 4-3-8 overall record and a 2-0-3 record against Missouri Valley opponents.
Bradley’s next match will be their senior night on Oct. 31 against Belmont. The game is the Braves’ final home contest this season, and kickoff from Shea Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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