ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer teams strong first half against St. Kate's (9-2-1) Tuesday afternoon was not enough as the Royals fell in overtime 2-1 to the Wildcats, snapping their 10 game winning streak. Bethel thoroughly took advantage of every opportunity laid in front of them, holding on to possession of the ball up until the halftime whistle blow. Senior Mikala Smith was able to score her second goal of the season off of a free kick, but the score ended being Bethel's only goal of the game.
The Royal's displayed some impressive footwork and precise passing earlier on in the game, but the Wildcats soon pounced on their opponents, constructing a transformative second half. Despite the numerous corner kicks by St. Kate's that Bethel was able to fend off, a goal was made by the Wildcats 20 minutes into the second half.
The 1-1 tie held until the end of regulation, carrying the teams into overtime. Once again, the Wildcats maintained possession as they had in the previous period, with St. Kate's senior Hannah Okerstrom scoring the winning goal six minutes into overtime. Head coach Amanda Maxwell knew that it was not the Royals best overall performance today.
"We are disappointed with the loss as we know we did not have our all-around best performance," said coach Maxwell. "It was a very direct game and we struggled in the second half to play our game."
While this game had to end in a defeat for the Royals, the team still stands with a 10-2-1 record and a conference record of 5-1-0.
"We are so proud of the team for all we have done so far this season," Maxwell added. "We know that we are going to learn from this game."
Bethel's next game will be on Saturday, October 15th, at home at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex against Gustavus Adolphus College at 1 p.m. Following Saturday's game, they will play the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul on Wednesday, October 19th, at 4 p.m.
