Box Score ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University Women's soccer team took home their first victory on Saturday, defeating the Macalester College Scots 1-0. In a very physical and hard fought match the Royals used a single goal by
Mikala Smith to take the much needed win over a strong Macalester team. Both teams started out slowly on the brisk late morning, putting few shots on goal and missing numerous scoring opportunities but Smith was able to bend a corner kick into the net for the eventual game winner.
The first half was a defensive stalemate for most of the period as the Royals weren't able to get many shots through Macalester's defense and onto goalkeeper Emma Toomer.
Savannah Swanson did put two scares into the Scots, however, as she hit the crossbar on a solid strike and also sent a shot on goal that Toomer was able to make a spectacular save on. Meanwhile, the Scots failed to convert on several one-on-one situations with Royals goaltender
Micale Jensen. Bethel was finally able to break the scoreless tie in the final moments of the first half when
Mikala Smith netted an unassisted corner kick. The ball was deflected out of the goal but the officials later ruled that the ball had crossed the margin and thus it was deemed a good goal. This was a substantial lift for the Royals as they had not held a halftime lead since the season opener at North Central College.
The defensive standoff continued in the second half, although Macalester had a few more scoring chances and were able to hold the ball longer using the strong wind at their backs. Nevertheless, Jensen and the Royals were able to hold off the Scots and complete the shutout for their first conference win and first overall win of the season.
Bethel improved their record to 1-6-3 and will now move past the halfway point of the season, with a tough slate of conference opponents to come. The Royals will face the University of Wisconsin-River Falls back at home on Monday before going on the road to challenge the College of Saint Benedict Blazers.
