WINONA, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team closed out its 2026 regular season in dominant fashion Saturday afternoon, earning a 4-0 shutout victory over Saint Mary's University in MIAC action at Ochrymowycz Field.
The Royals controlled the offensive pace throughout the contest, recording 25 shots and placing 14 on goal while holding the Cardinals to just eight shots.
Bethel wasted little time establishing its offensive presence, opening the scoring in the ninth minute when Nathan Hunt found the back of the net off an assist from James Oberholtzer. The goal marked Hunt's third of the season and gave the Royals an early 1-0 advantage.
The Royals doubled their lead in the 33rd minute as Jack Gerber scored his second goal of the season, once again assisted by Oberholtzer.
Bethel continued to apply pressure late in the opening half, adding a third goal in the 44th minute when Minty Shady scored his third of the season off another assist from Oberholtzer. The goal sent the Royals into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
The offensive momentum carried into the second half as Tadeo Magana extended Bethel's lead in the 56th minute, scoring his eighth goal of the season to make it 4-0.
Oberholtzer played a key role in the Royals' offensive success, recording assists on each of Bethel's three first-half goals while contributing three shots, including two on goal.
Hunt led the Royals with four shots, placing three on target, while Devin Igl and Magana each recorded three attempts. Gerber added two shots, both on goal, as Bethel's offense featured contributions throughout the lineup.
Bethel finished with 25 shots, including 14 on goal, compared to Saint Mary's eight shots and four on target. The Royals outshot the Cardinals 12-1 in the second half and held a 7-6 advantage in corner kicks.
Defensively, Griffin Blokker played all 90 minutes in goal, recording four saves to secure the shutout. The Royals' back line limited Saint Mary's to just one second-half shot, preserving the clean sheet.
The victory improves Bethel to 5-12-2 overall and 2-6-2 in MIAC play as the Royals conclude their 2026 regular-season schedule with a conference shutout.
