ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer team defeated Macalester College 2-0 Saturday afternoon to move into sole possession of second place in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) standings. The win over the Scots was the first in program history for the Bethel women. The Royals were solid in all facets of the game as they scored one goal in each period and played outstanding defense in allowing just four shots on goal. The MIAC's leading scorer, Georgia Cloepfil, had just one shot in the game for the Scots.

“This was our most consistent play this season,” said Royals head coach Amanda Maxwell. “It was a team effort and I am so proud of the girls.”

The Royals got on the board 13 minutes into the first period when Anne Fazio (Sr., Holland, Mich.) scored her third goal in the last three games, all three of which have been Royals MIAC conference victories.

“Lydia Brubaker had a great run that opened up Fazio's overlapping run to score the goal,” coach Maxwell explained.

The Royals leading scorer, Jessica Huseby (So., Medina, Minn.), got in on the scoring 13 minutes into the second period with her sixth goal of the season. Lydia Brubaker (Fr., Eden Prairie, Minn.) was credited with the assist.

The Royals and Scots each had thirteen shots in the game but the Royals put 10 of those shots on goal, while Macalester had just four on goal. Bethel Goalkeeper Callie Roseland (Jr., Moorhead, Minn.) made four saves to pick up her third shutout of the season.

Maxwell had high praise for her defenders, “Our back line continues to play great. Kelsey Flaherty is outstanding in the air and wins everything.”

With the win the Royals improved to 5-4-1 on the season and 3-1-1 in MIAC play. The Royals are now in second place behind Concordia, who is 4-1. Augsburg, St. Thomas and St. Olaf are all tied for third at 3-2. Bethel will take a one game break from MIAC play as they travel to Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Tuesday afternoon. The matchup will be the final non-conference game of the season for the Royals. They will return home next Saturday afternoon as they host Gustavus Adolphus College at 11 a.m. on homecoming day.