Belmont University Men's Soccer Program: Season Preview 2022

Strategic Insights -

The Belmont University men's soccer program is gearing up for its 2022 regular season opener, with a talented group of attackers leading the charge. Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference picks Liam O'Brien and AJ Chastonay are joined by junior forward Esteban Leiva, who was among the top three shot takers for the Bruins in 2021. Newcomers Ayden von Essen and 6-foot-5 freshman Brock Kiper look to make an immediate impact on the Bruins' front line.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Belmont University men's soccer program returns three key pieces to its offense, including junior forward Esteban Leiva, who was among the top three shot takers in 2021.
  • Liam O'Brien and AJ Chastonay, both preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference picks, accounted for 20 of Belmont's 33 goals last season and combined for 39 shots on goal.
  • O'Brien led the team and ranked 21st nationally in goals (11) and ranked 30th in the nation in goals per game (0.58) in 2021.
  • Chastonay had a remarkable seven game-winning goals last season, tied for the most nationally, and registered a .567 shot on goal percentage.
  • Ayden von Essen, a transfer from Lake Erie College, was the 2021 Great Midwest Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and led the Storm to the round of 16 in the NCAA Division II Championship.
  • Brock Kiper, a 6-foot-5 freshman, was a High School All-American and led his club to a trio of state cup championships.

Statistics:

  • Belmont ranked 17th nationally in shot accuracy (.480) and among the top 50 teams in the nation in both goals (33) and assists (35) in 2021.
  • The Bruins also ranked 52nd in the country in scoring offense with 1.74 goals per match in 2021.
  • Liam O'Brien finished with 23 points in 2021, tying him for third place among all-time Bruins in goals scored (17) and seventh in program history in career points (38).
  • AJ Chastonay had 30 shots on target, a .567 shot on goal percentage, and ranked among the top 100 scorers in the nation in 2021.
  • Ayden von Essen collected nearly 600 minutes of action on the pitch in 2021, including 18 shots, 8 on target, 2 goals, and 1 assist.

Sources:

  • Nashville: Belmont University Athletics
  • Belmont University Men's Soccer Program Press Release