Box Score

ST. PETER, Minn. - Sophie Christiansen (Sr., Portland, Ore.) is quite possibly playing the best soccer of her collegiate career. In her past five games, the senior forward has scored five goals. Her last two scores have helped Bethel earn points in the MIAC standings, including her goal in the 84th minute of today's game against Gustavus. Christiansen nailed the far left corner of the net after fielding a pass from Carolyn Kishaba (Sr., Eau Claire, Wis.), and the defense held for a 1-0 win on the road.

In fact, Bethel played smothering defense today as Gustavus was only able to fire off six total shots, and only two of those on goal, allowing Callie Roseland (So., Moorhead, Minn.) to record her first collegiate shutout in net.

Christiansen's goal is the 23rd of her career, putting her in fourth place all-time at Bethel for the category. As a freshman, she started out of the gate fast by scoring six goals in her first five games. She would finish the 2008 campaign with 10 total. Unfortunately, an injury kept Christiansen out of the first half of her sophomore season, and her playing time was limited once she returned to the squad for the final seven games of the season. Last season, she returned to form and notched six goals and three assists, bringing her career total to 16. This season, she has once again emerged as a leader on the field with the most goals and points on the team to date.

"I was proud of the effort our girls put forth today," said Head Coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec. "The cold and windy conditions did not make this an easy match.  Our team defense was very good and Sophie scored a nice goal to get the win."

The win moves Bethel to 8-4-2 overall, guaranteeing a .500 or better winning percentage for the fourth straight season - definitely a benchmark for a team that enjoyed only one .500 season from 1993-2007. The Royals are now 3-3-1 in conference play. The next game for Bethel is scheduled for this Thursday night against Macalester under the lights in St. Paul beginning at 7:30 p.m.