ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel University men's soccer team faced a regionally-ranked Saint John's team on a brisk fall afternoon in Arden Hills Thursday. In search of three points, Bethel battled the Johnnies into double overtime before SJU put in the golden goal 19 seconds into the final overtime period.
A fast start for the Royals saw
Isaac Howell net his second goal of the season taking advantage of a SJU defensive miscue.
In the 15th minute, the Johnnies goalie got caught outside the goalie box trying to chorale a loss ball. But instead, a defender beat him to it clearing it off his back heel which landed right at the feet of Howell. Leaving the SJU keeper no time to retreat, Howell fired it from just inside of 18 yards.
The Royals had an impressive defensive performance in the first 45 minutes as the opposition had five corner kick opportunities in the first half that they were not able to capitalize. That was until the 53rd minute in the second half where the Johnnies tied it up on a header shot that originated from the far corner.
An unfortunate play in the 60th minute prevented Bethel from expanding its lead. What BU thought was the go-ahead goal was called off for offside after a discussion between the referee and his assistant referee.
Tied at the sound of the final horn, the battle continued for another 11 minutes, until the 100th minute mark where a SJU player was able to beat a BU defender scoring from nine yards out.
The Royals are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 16 in Winona where they face Saint Mary's who is in search of its first MIAC win.
