ST. PAUL, Minn. – Sometimes it only takes one and that was the case Friday night for the Bethel University men's soccer team. Forward Connor Nelson kicked off his senior campaign in a perfect way netting the game winner for the Royals in the final two minutes defeating Northwestern on the road, 1-0.

The Royals had to make halftime adjustments after getting off one shot in the first half which missed the frame high and to the right. Starting keeper Colin Hupert sent the teams into the locker rooms scoreless at the break after making a diving save on a bullet shot that came from his right side

Despite the shots ringing even at 7-7, BU got two more looks than the host Eagles in the second half. Urgency kicked in as the final two minutes ticked away with a quick throw near the corner for BU that led to an opportunity just outside the penalty box. Isaac Howell fired off a shot that bounced off the UNW goalkeeper before Nelson found himself following the shot in hopes of a rebound. Taking a nice enough touch Nelson sent it past the UNW keeper, who was down on the ground, before the Royals played keep away through the final 1:39 picking up a season opening shutout victory for the second straight season.

The Royals continue their five-game road trip to open the season on Tuesday at North Central (MN). First touch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in Minneapolis.