Box Score ST. PETER, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team took a disappointing 7-1 defeat in their season finale at Gustavus Adolphus College as the Royals were looking to punch their ticket into the MIAC playoffs with a victory. The Royals four game winning streak, which put them into position to claim a spot in the MIAC playoffs, along with their playoff hopes came crashing down as the Golden Gusties took a 4-1 lead at the end of the first half and tacked on three more scores in the second half. Jake Opheim scored Bethel's lone goal set up by a run from Ryan Ness.

"Despite the scoreline, I thought it was a good effort on our behalf," said Bethel head coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec. "We played with passion and intensity and battled for 90 minutes. Credit Gustavus as they were extremely efficient on offense and punished our mistakes."

The Royals had not conceded a goal in their last four games but the Gusties were able to score first just five minutes into the game and added a second goal eight minutes later. Ophiem's score ten minutes later gave the Royals life as they pulled within 2-1. Moments later they nearly tied the game up but senior Matt Pisarski just missed after beating his defender. The Gusties then wasted little time in answering the Bethel score with their third goal at 27:09 in the first period. Gustavus scored again just five minutes later and took the 4-1 advantage into the second period. GAC tacked on their three second half goals throughout the period with the last coming with under two minutes to play. Gustavus outshot Bethel 14-7.

Six seniors played in their final games for Bethel in Matt Pisarski, AJ Syler, Nathan Brubaker, Jesse Caldwell, Tim Ness and Jeremy Tan. The Royals season comes to a close with an 8-10 overall record and 4-6 in MIAC play. Gustavus improved to 12-4-1 and 6-2-1 in the MIAC as they will enter into next week's MIAC playoffs as one of the top seeds. 

"I am very proud of this senior class," coach Iwaszkowiec said. "They have elevated this program and I am very excited about the trajectory and direction we are heading."