SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer team used a three-goal first half and a strong defensive effort to earn a 3-0 road victory over Gustavus Adolphus College Saturday afternoon at Gustie Soccer Field.
The Royals wasted little time getting on the board. Mia Backous opened the scoring in the fifth minute, finding the back of the net for her first goal of the season to give Bethel an early 1-0 advantage.
Bethel continued to control the attack throughout the opening half, generating 16 shots while limiting Gustavus to just two.
The Royals then broke the match open with a pair of goals in the final two minutes before halftime. Sarah Motalebi scored her first goal of the season in the 44th minute to extend the advantage to 2-0.
Just 80 seconds later, Jessica Oliver added her second goal of the season, sending Bethel into halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Gustavus increased its offensive pressure after the break, recording 13 second-half shots, but the Bethel defense kept the Gusties off the scoreboard. The Royals' goalkeeper made six saves in the second half to preserve the shutout.
Bethel finished the afternoon with a 23-15 advantage in shots and an 11-8 edge in shots on goal. The Royals put together a balanced offensive performance with Backous, Motalebi and Oliver each finding the back of the net.
Defensively, Bethel recorded eight saves while holding Gustavus scoreless for the full 90 minutes to secure its first MIAC victory of the season.
The win moves the Royals to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in conference play.
Up Next: Bethel returns home Wednesday to host St. Catherine University in MIAC action at Ona Orth Athletic Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
