Rock Island, IL – The Bethel women's soccer team started their 2016 season with a loss on Thursday afternoon, leaving Augustana with a score of 0-1. The Vikings put eight shots on the goal to the Royal's three, but unfortunately a Vikings penalty kick kept them ahead by one point for the rest of the first half and throughout the second.

"It was a great first game. It was disappointing to give that away, but we are excited about our season," said an enthused head coach, Amanda Maxwell. "We have an excellent returning group, and it's fun to have a young team full of passion and energy."

During the second half, the Royals were able to hold off the opposing team with two saves, showing solid defense and keeping the score to 0-1 for the rest of the game.

Despite defeat, Coach Maxwell is seeing promise for this women's team as these young players take on other teams this fall.   "We were able to use our depth and see a lot of great things from our players," Coach Maxwell informed. "We think this is going to be a great season."

Bethel will compete for their first win of the season on Sunday afternoon as they play North Central College, whom they lost to 3-0 last season, at 4 p.m. at Stagg Field in Naperville, Illinois.