LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It is known around Bellarmine University as the "Chastonay Cup," what has become an annual meeting between long-time Bellarmine head men's soccer coach Tim Chastonay and his son, AJ.

And Tuesday night at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium was the final edition. 

AJ's decision to leave his hometown and play at Belmont University, for someone other than his father at Bellarmine, was not an easy one. Tim taught him the game and coached him through much of his youth soccer. 

"I wanted an experience on my own," AJ said. "I wanted to get away from the city a little bit and experience life and grow up on my own."

"It was difficult, but just getting to watch him do what he loves is more important," Tim added. 

The St. Xavier High School graduated has thrived with the Bruins. He's among the winningest and most highly decorated players in program history. And on this night, he had one more chance to compete against his dad's team at a place he practically lived growing up. 

"I spent my whole life here," AJ said. "Ever since I've been born, my dad's been the coach here. So I've grown up wandering the halls, coming after games, playing on the field and shooting the ball into the goal. And it's just great to be back and get to play against him."

This is AJ's fifth year at Belmont and his fifth time playing against Bellarmine. In fact, his first collegiate game came here against the Knights. It was early in 2021, in the 2020 COVID-19 season that was pushed back to the following spring. And he made quite the first impression.

"The second half, I see he's going to go in the game, and it was kind of a proud moment that your kid's going to get his first action as a college player," Tim said. "And literally like 45 seconds later, he scores. Then I'm kind of happy for him and then I'm thinking about my own group and I'm like 'Now we've got to deal with being down 1-0, and my kid has scored.' I'm happy but I don't really know if I'm that happy. And then literally 10-15 minutes later, he scores again and then I was not pleased."

Tim's wife and AJ's mom, Kelli, said she has to stay neutral when these two meet.

"It's the best game of the year because I love whoever wins, and it's the worst game of the year because I can't cheer for anybody," she said with a laugh. 

There was a consensus on what her perfect scenario for the night would be.

"I think she'll be rooting for a tie and that I score a goal," AJ said.

"She hopes always for an AJ goal and a draw in this game," Tim added.

"My ideal outcome would be a tie, but my son scores a goal," Kelli confirmed.

It turns out mom got her wish. AJ scored in the second half. It was his fifth goal of the year, tying him for fifth nationally. And Bellarmine got a late equalizer for a 1-1 draw. No losers on this night.

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