Box Score

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The 2012 season opener for the Bethel University men's soccer team did not go the way the Royals hoped, dropping a 6-0 decision on the road at No. 15 Loras College. The Duhawks jumped on the Royals early, scoring four goals in the first 17 minutes and five altogether in the first period, while Bethel was unable to attempt a single shot. Loras is the pre-season favorites in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (IIAC) and are coming off a 17-3-3 season in which they qualified for the NCAA Championships.

“We failed to match their intensity and passion in the first half,” Royals head coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec said. “They overwhelmed us from the opening whistle.”

The Royals were more competitive in the second period, shutting the Duhwaks out over the final 39 minutes and getting off three shots, two on goal by Kolten Fischer (Shoreview, Minn.).

“We settled down and competed in the second half,” Iwaszkowiec said. “Some freshman got some good minutes and I am pleased with some individual efforts, but we need to do a better job of collectively competing for 90 minutes.”

The Royals will be back in action Sunday afternoon in Indianola, Iowa against Simpson College. The Royals will square off with the Storm at 4 p.m., following the women's game.