SAN JOSE – Bellarmine scored a goal on either side of halftime and cruised into the CIF NorCal Division 2 semifinals with a 2-0 win over visiting Bishop O’Dowd Tuesday afternoon.
The Bells (15-6-4) advance to the semifinals, where they will take on Richmond, a 2-1 winner over Antelope. The Dragons finish their season with a 19-2-4 record.
It was a defensive struggle on both sides throughout but Bellarmine took advantage of its rare opportunities to score. Senior Cole Hackett opened the scoring in the 22nd minute on a powerful header from near the penalty spot off a cross from the left side by senior left back Cole Normandin after a nice build up. It was the Bells’ first shot of the match.
Bellarmine made it 2-0 in the 46th minute on a set piece from the right sideline. Sophomore Gabi Martinez swerved in the left-footed free kick to the back post where Hackett headed it back into the middle for senior Luis Martinez, who nodded it in.
The well-organized Bellarmine defensive unit allowed just one shot on goal the entire match, resulting in a diving save by senior goalkeeper Matt Martin in the 12th minute. 25 did an outstanding job marshaling the back line.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Bishop O’Dowd moved senior captain Ryan Anderson into the center of midfield alongside talented junior Josh Redfield. But the Dragons were unable to create any dangerous chances despite having their fair share of possession in the middle third.
With the potential of three matches in one week, the Bells substituted liberally but never lost their shape as Hackett did a great job anchoring the midfield. Bishop O'Dowd leading scorers Nico Hausser and Daniel Kjeldsen were held to just three shots total - all by Kjeldsen and none of which threatened the Bell goal.
For the match, Bishop O’Dowd generated nine shots, but just the one on goal. Bellarmine finished with only six shots, but four were on target. The Dragons held a 3-2 edge in corner kicks.
