WAVERLY, Iowa – The Bethel University women's soccer team generated plenty of opportunities Wednesday night at Wartburg College, but a second-half comeback came up just short in a 2-1 non-conference loss.

Wartburg struck first in the opening half to take a 1-0 advantage into the break. Despite trailing, the Royals continued to create chances and entered the second half looking for the equalizer.

The Knights extended their lead in the 58th minute when Lupita Lopez found the back of the net, putting Bethel in a 2-0 deficit.

The Royals answered just seven minutes later. Jessica Oliver converted a penalty kick in the 65th minute to cut the Wartburg lead to 2-1 and give Bethel life heading into the final 25 minutes.

Bethel continued to apply pressure down the stretch in search of the tying goal but was unable to find the equalizer before the final whistle.

The Royals held the advantage in several offensive categories, outshooting Wartburg 15-10 and putting six attempts on goal compared to three for the Knights. Bethel also earned six corner kicks while limiting Wartburg to three.

Wartburg's goalkeeper made five saves to keep the Royals from adding another goal, while Bethel finished with one save on three shots on goal.

Oliver's penalty kick accounted for Bethel's lone goal of the night as the Royals came up one goal short on the road.

Up Next: Bethel returns to MIAC play Saturday, traveling to Gustavus Adolphus College for a 1 p.m. kickoff.