ST. PETER, Minn. – The Bethel University men's soccer team battled Gustavus Adolphus College through a scoreless opening half Saturday afternoon before the Gusties broke through twice after the break to earn a 2-0 MIAC victory at Gustie Soccer Field.
The two sides remained even through the opening 45 minutes. Bethel generated four shots in the first half, putting all four on goal, while the Royals' defense kept Gustavus off the scoreboard.
Griffin Blokker helped preserve the scoreless tie in goal, making four first-half saves as the teams headed into halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
Gustavus increased its offensive pressure after the break and eventually broke through in the 60th minute when Jack Isroff scored to give the Gusties a 1-0 advantage.
The Royals remained within one for the next 25 minutes as Blokker and the Bethel defense continued to withstand the Gustavus attack. The Gusties eventually added an insurance goal in the 86th minute to bring the match to its 2-0 final.
Bethel finished with six shots on the afternoon, putting five on goal. Devin Igl, Jack Gerber, Nathan Hunt and Terry Espinoza Garibay each put an attempt on frame, while Tadeo Magana recorded two shots with one on goal.
Blokker played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with seven saves. Gustavus generated 21 shots overall, with 16 coming after halftime, while the Royals finished with six.
The setback moves Bethel to 3-4-1 overall and 0-2-1 in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel steps out of conference play Tuesday, traveling to the University of Wisconsin-Superior for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
