Box Score

NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Despite only attempting five shots, with two on goal, the St. Olaf College women's soccer team won a critical Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) matchup 1-0 over the Bethel University Royals. On a wet, late October afternoon the Oles were able to pull themselves even with the Royals in the MIAC standings, creating a three way tie for third place. A Bethel win would have clinched their first playoff appearance in program history; instead the Royals postseason fate will come down to a Saturday afternoon matchup at St. Thomas. In addition to needing a victory of their own, the Royals will need any one of three teams (Saint Benedict, Augsburg, St. Olaf) to lose or tie to get in the four team MIAC playoffs.  
 
“We came out flat and didn't play our game,” said Royals first year coach Amanda Maxwell. “We are looking forward to learning from our mistakes and playing a solid 90 minutes on Saturday.”
 
The Oles were able to score their lone goal in the 34th minute of the first period on a scrum in the box after a corner kick. The Royals outshot St. Olaf in both halves and 11-5 overall. St. Olaf goalkeeper Nora Forbes made three saves to record her eighth shutout of the season.

“St. Olaf did a good job of staying organized in the back,” Maxwell said. “We lacked movement up top and creativity to get behind the defense.”
 
The Royals will look to rebound Saturday afternoon in their final regular season game when they travel to St. Thomas at 1 p.m. The Tommies hopes for a postseason bid remain alive but very slim as they need a win and St. Olaf, Augsburg and Macalester to lose.