DULUTH, Minn. - The Bethel University men's soccer team traveled north to face the defending champions from the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference in the College of St. Scholastica Saints and took an early lead, but in the end fell 3-1. The Royals struck first with a
Connor Nelson goal in the 33rd minute but CSS answered eight minutes later and scored twice more in the second half to take the victory.
Nelson's goal was assisted by
Joey Gronseth. The Saints equalizer came off of a free kick that Jacob Carson put into the top right corner. Luke Buckton scored both of CSS goals in the second half as they took control of the game. The Saints held a 17-6 shot advantage and 8-2 in shots on goal.
Jakob Bartels made five saves for Bethel. The Royals did hold a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.
The loss drops the Royals to 0-3-1 to start the 2017 season. They will look to get their first win on Sunday afternoon when they travel just east over the Wisconsin border to take on Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.