Box Score

WINONA, Minn. - The Bethel men's soccer team is getting off on the right foot. Or maybe the left. Either way, they're headed in the right direction. In beating Saint Mary's 3-1 tonight, the Royals won their first conference game for the first time since 2000. And while this win doesn't put the team on the fast track to a MIAC championship, it is a key stepping stone as the program develops into a team that can consistently compete in the MIAC conference.

The Royals had 17 total shots, and nine of them on goal as they downed the Cardinals on their home field. Andreas Scott (Jr., Cedar, Minn.) scored the first goal in the 11th minute on a penalty kick. The score remained 1-0 until the 49th minute, when Michael Voigtlander (Jr., Vadnais Heights, Minn.) potted his first goal of the season, assisted by Scott. The next goal came courtesy of Brent Neihart (So., Prairie Village, Kan.), unassisted in the 71st minute.

The Royal defense was stout, only allowing seven shots on goal, but the Cardinals spoiled Bethel's bid for their fourth shutout of the year. The goal was scored by Jacob Bina of Saint Mary's late in the 82nd minute.

The men's record now stands at 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the MIAC, while Saint Mary's drops to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the conference. The Royals are scheduled to travel to Decorah, Iowa, to face Luther College this Saturday, starting at 3 p.m. for their next game.