ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team held on for a 1-0 victory over St. John's on Saturday afternoon, their first conference win of the season.  The Royals outshot the Johnnies 14-10 and survived numerous scoring chances from their opponent, including two nullified goals.

The Royals entered Saturday's match with a 4-9 overall mark, coming off a tough seven-game road stretch.  Despite their recent struggles, the Royals continued to succeed at home where they are now 5-1. 

The Johnnies appeared to have their first goal in the final moments of the first half, however a late offside call by the official kept the game scoreless headed into halftime.  Coach Iwaszkowiec knows this was a big moment in the game, saying after the match, "We got bailed out a few times, it feels good to get some breaks go our way."

Entering the second half, both teams were looking to break through in a largely defensive game that featured stout goaltending on both ends.  The Royals struck first in the 56^th minute when Danny Jaderholm connected with Tim Ness on the corner kick.  The successful header from the defenseman Ness turned out to be the deciding goal despite a late surge from the Johnnies. Freshman Jakob Bartels was spectacular again in the net for Bethel, making five saves.

The Royals ultimately held the fort in the final 34 minutes to escape with their fifth win of the season.  The win will start a four-game conference home stretch before the final regular season match on the road against Gustavus.  Bethel will play next on Wednesday against Concordia at 3:30 following the women's match.