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.
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BU finishes the year 10-9-1 overall, marking the first 10-win season since 2009.
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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.
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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.
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Matthias Caspari's eight goals this season was the most since Matthew Pisarski's eight goals in 2013.
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Juan Valdivia Cortes' 93 saves this year is the most stops by a BU keeper since 2015.
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