MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team built a two-goal advantage in the opening half Monday evening but was unable to hold off a second-half comeback from Bethany Lutheran College, falling 4-2 in non-conference action at Scheels Field.
The Royals struck first in the 16th minute when Tadeo Magana converted a penalty kick for his sixth goal of the season, giving Bethel an early 1-0 advantage.
Bethel continued to capitalize on its offensive opportunities, doubling its lead in the 31st minute when Noah Ahlquist found the back of the net for his second goal of the season.
The Vikings answered just before halftime as Pedro Henrique Meira de Morais scored in the 43rd minute off assists from Ezekiel Human and Diogo Castanheira, cutting the Royals' lead to 2-1 heading into the break.
Bethel entered halftime with four shots and held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Bethany Lutheran increased its offensive pressure in the second half, recording 15 shots over the final 45 minutes. The Vikings evened the contest in the 65th minute when Rosalem Tendaie scored off an assist from Mike van der Horst.
With the match tied at 2-2 entering the final 10 minutes, Bethany Lutheran took its first lead in the 81st minute when Castanheira scored off an assist from Tendaie.
The Vikings added another goal in the 86th minute as Jamie van Wijland found the back of the net off an assist from Meira de Morais, securing the 4-2 victory.
Magana and Ahlquist led the Royals offensively with one goal apiece, while Lukas Hunziker also registered a shot on goal.
Bethel finished with five shots, including four on goal, while Bethany Lutheran recorded 20 shots with eight on target. The Royals earned five corner kicks compared to the Vikings' seven.
In goal, Griffin Blokker started and played the opening 45 minutes, allowing one goal. Noah Oscarson took over for the second half, recording four saves while allowing three goals.
The loss moves Bethel to 4-12-2 overall and 1-6-2 in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel travels to Saint Mary's University on Saturday, Oct. 31, for its final MIAC match-up of the regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
