Box Score

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Bethel's women's soccer team headed east today, just across the Wisconsin border to take on UW-River Falls with the intent of keeping and building on the momentum that has seen them win three games in a row. However, the hosting Falcons had other plans and defeated the Royals 3-1.

The Royals (7-3-1) fell behind early when Alex Slotwaski scored prior to the 5-minute mark. UW-River Falls tacked on another goal just before the end of the half to go up 2-0 at the intermission. Less than eight minutes into the second half, the Falcons struck again to take a 3-0 lead.

Down, but not out, the Royals made a small comeback effort barely 15 seconds after being scored on for the third time. Sophie Christiansen (Sr., Portland, Ore.) scored her fifth goal of the season, unassisted, and the Royals were on the scoreboard.

Unfortunately, Christiansen's goal was the extent of Bethel's comeback this afternoon.

The Royals were unable to muster much more of an offensive attack, spending much of the second half in their own zone. Goalkeeper Alyssa Riggs (Sr., Columbia Heights, Minn.) made six of her seven saves in the second half as the Falcons fired off a total of 12 shots to the Royals 9 in the latter period.

"Kelsey Flaherty's red card at the 10 minute mark completely changed the game.  I was very proud of the way our girls battled for 80 minutes down a player; however, in the end we came up short," said Head Coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec. "As always, we need to continue to learn and keep moving forward."

Bethel's loss to UW-River Falls does not affect them in the conference standings and, if anything, gives the squad a very good indication of the calibur team they will be facing the remainder of the MIAC schedule. The Royals will attempt to put another tally in the 'W' column next Tuesday when a very competitive Saint Benedict team comes to the Ona Orth Athletic Complex for a 4 p.m. game.