Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - If you haven't been to the Ona Orth Complex lately, you are missing out on one of the most exciting teams at Bethel University. This afternoon, the Royal women's soccer team put on another impressive show, beating Bethany Lutheran College, 7-0. They have not allowed a goal yet this season and it was their second straight game without allowing a shot on goal. The women have scored 40 goals in their first five games, putting themselves one goal behind the 41 they scored all of last season. The team is playing fast and confident, gaining momentum as they move into the MIAC season.

"No offense to the program or past Bethel teams, but we have depth this year." said Coach Pepe Jon Chavez, "Our players are so close in talent." That depth comes with its own challenges. "Instead of looking down the bench and saying, 'Oh no! Who do I put in?'" said Chavez, "It is 'who and how do I get people in?''"

Anyone showing up 30 seconds late to today's game would have missed Krista Polding (Jr., Waconia, Minn.) score her third goal of the season, assisted by Kelsey Flaherty (Fr., Shoreview, Minn.), on the first possession of the game. Five minutes later, Carolyn Kishaba (So., Eau Claire, Wis.) fed a beautiful cross to Leah Hardie (So., Ankeny, Iowa), who deftly put it in the back of the net. Then, Kishaba decided to get herself into the action with a pretty left-footed strike into the top left corner in the 34th minute. By halftime, the score was 5-0 and Bethel was on their way to another victory. Hardie and Kishaba each scored another goal, while Brittany Griffore (So., Maple Grove, Minn.) and Flaherty scored the sixth and seventh goals of the match.

"We can score," said Chavez, "if we can deal with the physicality of the MIAC, we're gonna put teams on their heels."

Kishaba, a transfer from Wheaton College (Ill.), was a clear catalyst for the Bethel attack. She garnered six points in today's game and her consistent play has bolstered the Royal's midfield. Through five games, she has 18 points and has noticed a mentality change from Wheaton to Bethel.

"Coach tells us to fall flat on our face for God and serve Him," said Kishaba, "it's a new perspective - this team is focused on playing for God."

There is an obvious joy between players, coaches, and in playing the game. The team began running sprints midway through the second half in an effort to strengthen their conditioning, and not one player was seen sulking. Players ran double in order to support their teammates.

"There is not another program in the nation that is as connected as our men's and women's teams," said Chavez, "they are committed and they are serving Christ together."

As conference play nears, the Royals are playing with a passion that will be useful no matter who the opponent is. "We always have to come out with the attitude that we're playing for Him," said Kishaba, "and in that, really, no matter the outcome, we can't lose."

The women are now 5-0 overall. The Royals are scheduled to begin MIAC play next Tuesday as they travel down to Winona, Minn., to face Saint Mary's University, starting at 5 p.m.