ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team was defeated 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon by the University of Wisconsin-Superior Yellowjackets, beginning a two-game home stand for the Royals.
 
"We're a deep team this year and we have a ton of talent, we just need to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net and unfortunately we weren't able to do that today," said head coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec.
 
The first period unfolded with relatively few fireworks as both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm to start the game.  However, the Yellowjackets were able to get 12 shots compared to seven for the Royals and as a result the Bethel defense was forced into action.  Sophomore goalkeeper Jakob Bartels made a number of acrobatic saves and kept the Yellowjackets scoreless for the first 35 minutes of the game.  UW-Superior senior and team captain Joey Gustafson eventually scored what would be the deciding goal in the 36^th minute as both teams were looking for momentum heading into halftime.
 
As Coach Iwaszkowiec alluded to, the Royals struggled to find offensive opportunities throughout the opening period but started to find more life in the second half.  Once again leaning on their strong defense, the Royals made a run late in the game as they were able to produce several shots-on-goal but ultimately came up short as the Yellowjackets held off the charge. 
 
The Royals will be looking for their second victory of the early season on Saturday afternoon against Simpson College as they continue their non-conference schedule.