ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer team took another big step forward in their hunt for a spot in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) playoffs with a 3-2 win over Carleton College. In the last home game of a stellar career at Bethel, senior Kelsey Flaherty (Shoreview, Minn.) put on a show, scoring two header goals as the Royals defeated the Knights for the first time in program history. Carleton came into the game fighting to stay in the hunt for a MIAC playoff berth and ranked #11 in the North Region in the latest NSCAA rankings. With the win, Bethel stays in second place with two games remaining, also against playoff contenders. 

The Royals got on the scoreboard first when Christa Heilgenthal (So., Ames, Iowa) scored her first goal of the season with an assist by Suzette Anderson (Jr., Lino Lakes, Minn.) at the 17:38 mark. Carleton responded right away however, scoring just one minute later on a header by Ellie Wilson. Flaherty then took over as she scored back-to-back goals on great goals on headers. The first was off a ball put in the box by MIAC assist leader Jessica Huseby (So., Medina, Minn.). The second goal was off a penalty kick set play where Heilgenthal sent the ball into the middle of the box and a diving Flaherty headed the ball into the back right corner for her sixth goal of the season. The Knights had not allowed more than two goals all season and it was only the third time in the last three seasons they have allowed three or more goals.

The Knights scored on another header with under nine minutes left in the game to pull within one and were able to get two more shots off before the end of the game but were unable to tie the game. The Knights outshot the Royals 10-4 in the second half and 15-12 in the game, playing catch-up most of the way.

“We were led by our seniors today,” said Royals coach Amanda Maxwell. “All four of them had outstanding games and played their hearts out. Flaherty scored two amazing goals, one a diving header. These seniors have made quite an impact on this program and we are a better team because of them.”

Flaherty, Anne Fazio (Holland, Mich.), Lydia Bergeson (Mauston, Wis.) and Kelsey Holmberg (Cambridge, Minn.) were all honored on senior day but the four are hoping it was not their final game at home as they would host a MIAC playoff game if they can maintain their second place position. The Royals are looking for their first MIAC playoff appearance in program history.

Bethel will travel to Northfield, Minnesota on Tuesday to face St. Olaf College in a pivotal matchup. The Oles and Royals entered the day as two of the three times tied for second place but the Oles were defeated 6-0 by the first place Concordia College Cobbers. St. Olaf needs a victory to stay in the playoff race.