ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team battled back from an early two-goal deficit Friday afternoon but was unable to find a second-half equalizer in a 2-1 non-conference loss to UC Santa Cruz at Ona Orth Athletic Complex.
UC Santa Cruz struck early, opening the scoring in the seventh minute before converting a penalty kick in the 19th to take a 2-0 advantage.
The Royals continued to battle and broke through just before halftime. With 24 seconds remaining in the opening half, James Oberholtzer found the back of the net off an assist from Broder Nelson, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into the break.
The goal marked Oberholtzer's team-leading fifth of the season and gave Bethel momentum heading into the second half.
Bethel increased its offensive pressure after halftime, generating eight of its 11 total shots over the final 45 minutes. The Royals put three second-half attempts on goal but were unable to find the equalizer.
The Bethel defense kept UC Santa Cruz off the scoreboard throughout the second half, giving the Royals an opportunity to remain within one until the final whistle.
Bethel finished the match with 11 shots, including four on goal, while UC Santa Cruz recorded 18 shots and nine on target. The Royals held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Bethel's goalkeeper made seven saves, including six in the second half, as the Royals kept the Banana Slugs scoreless after the break.
The setback moves Bethel to 3-6-1 overall while remaining 0-2-1 in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel continues non-conference play Monday, traveling to UW-River Falls for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
