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Men's Soccer
Royals and Eagles Open Season with a 1-1 Tie
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team opened their 2017 season just a few miles down Snelling Avenue against the University of Northwestern and came away with a 1-1 tie. The Royals got a goal in the 76
th minute by
Joey Gronseth to tie the game up but, despite some chances, Bethel was unable to get the game winner the rest of the way.
Both teams were able to create some scoring opportunities in the first half but the game was scoreless going into the half. Northwestern's Daniel Clotaire gave the Eagles the lead with a goal just over six minutes into the second half. Gronseth's answer came 25 minutes later as the Royals outshot UNW 7-2 in the second period. Gronseth's goal in the 76
th minute gave Royals fans flashbacks to his brother Stephen's game winning goal in the 72
nd minute the last time the Eagles and Royals hooked up in a season opening night contest at UNW's Reynolds Field in 2015.
The Royals continued to make a push for the game winner as they outshot UNW 4-0 in the first overtime but the game ended in the 1-1 tie. BU outshot UNW for the game 19-13 but UNW held an 8-5 advantage on shots on goal.
Jakob Bartels made seven saves in net for Bethel. Both teams had five corner kicks while UNW was whistled for 22 fouls to just 11 on Bethel.
The Royals next match will take place Saturday night with another primetime kickoff at 6 p.m. in St. Bonifacious, Minnesota against Crown College.
