NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team dropped their Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Association season opening match on the road by a 3-1 score to St. Olaf College. The Royals lone goal came from goalie Jakob Bartels who used a strong wind at his back to send a booming punt all the way to the other end where it bounced over the Ole goalie and into the net. The Royals were unable to convert on any of their other nine shots on goal, while the Oles were able to put three of their nine shots on goal in the back of the net.

The loss drops the Royals to 1-4-1 overall and 0-1 in the MIAC while St. Olaf improved to 2-4 and 1-0. Bethel will return home to the Ona Orth Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon with a big showdown with No. 23 ranked University of St. Thomas. The match will begin at 1 p.m.