LOUISVILLE — The Bowling Green State University men's soccer team knocked off Louisville 1-0 in the opening round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday. It’s the first time the Falcons have advanced to the second round since the 1996 and 1997 teams each did it in back-to-back seasons.

A first-half goal by St. John’s grad, Kale Nichols, to the bottom left of the goal was the lone score in the game and was all that the Falcons needed. Nichols finished his goal off an assist by Nathan Masters at the 29:39 mark.

The Falcons held a 10-9 shot advantage, with four shots on goal to just one from Louisville. Each team picked up two yellow cards, while Louisville was whistled for 13 fouls to Bowling Green's 10. Louisville held a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.

Bowling Green goalkeeper Brendan Graves, a Perrysburg graduate, earned the clean sheet with one save in the game.

Louisville goalkeeper Detre Bell was more active in the net, making three saves on the Falcons' four shots on goal.

Bowling Green advances to face No. 15 Indiana at noon on Sunday in the second round of the tournament.

First Published November 19, 2021, 2:24 a.m.