NORTHFIELD, Minn. – After an outstanding performance on Tuesday at Carleton, the fifth-seeded Bethel University men's soccer team saw its 2022 season come to a close falling to a tough seconded-seeded St. Olaf squad, 3-0, in the MIAC Semifinals.
BU finishes the year 10-9-1 overall, marking the first 10-win season since 2009.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Oles wasted no time testing goalie
Juan Valdivia Cortes forcing him to make a pair of early saves in the opening minutes.
• St. Olaf broke through in the 11th minute as a corner kick was headed to the back of the net right in front of Valdivia Cortes.
• Despite the short rest, BU worked into its attacking third having two great chances and a corner kick. A potentially equalizing shot by
Silas Ihde narrowly missed the frame sailing just over the top of the crossbar.
• In the 21st minute the Oles expanded its lead on a set piece from about 22 yards out. The free kick was sent short near the top of the box where a one timer sailed between the gap of Valdivia Cortes' head and the crossbar.
• BU had a few more chances inside of 18 yards in the first half.
Bereket Bereketab had a look on frame before
Jack Hanson's rebound attempt sailed out the top left of the frame.
• Trying to chip into the 2-0 halftime deficit,
Matthias Caspari had an open net look that bounced off the left post.
• St. Olaf put it out of reach capitalizing on another corner kick opportunity that sailed to the back post and was ruled as crossing the line completely by the assistant referee.
SEASON NOTES
• The Royals finished the season winning three of its final five matches, the best final five-match stretch since 2014.
• BU finished with 35 goals, the most in a season since 2009, and a 1.75 goals per match mark.
•
Matthias Caspari's eight goals this season was the most since Matthew Pisarski's eight goals in 2013.
•
Juan Valdivia Cortes' 93 saves this year is the most stops by a BU keeper since 2015.
