ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer team was defeated on Saturday afternoon by the Saint Benedict Blazers, coming up just short in their second half comeback effort. The Royals were looking to capitalize off the momentum they had gained from their dominant victory over the University of Northwestern in their last contest but ultimately fell by a score of 3-1.
"We moved the ball well throughout the game but we needed more consistency with our offensive attack. We are continuing to press on and improve our weaknesses but I am proud of this team for their effort, attitude and energy," said head coach Amanda Maxwell.
The Royals gave up the game's first goal in the fifteenth minute but did not surrender another score for the remainder of the period. The Blazers' Taylor Hedin converted a pass from Gracie Vaughan for her fifth goal of the season to provide the early lead. Despite the early goal, the Blazers mustered just three shots on the Royal's goalkeeper in the opening period but surrender only one shot to the Royals.
The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with neither team finding the net until fifteen minutes of scoreless action had passed. Once again it was the Blazers who were first to break the ice, this time with a goal from Alyssa Hoffman. Julia Perkins then answered for the Royals in the 70th minute with a scorching strike from more than 20 yards. The sudden goal for the home team energized the crowd but unfortunately for the Royals they were not able to take advantage of the momentum. The Blazers struck again in the 80th minute with Gracie Vaughan's third goal of the season which all but clinched the victory.
The Royals will now go on the road for three straight contests starting on Tuesday against St. Catherine University. They will return to the Ona Orth Complex on October 24th to face Concordia College.
