LATE GOAL PROVES COSTLY IN 2-1 SETBACK AT BETHEL

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – A second-half goal made all the difference as the Olivet Nazarene University men's soccer team suffered a 2-1 setback against Bethel (Ind.) Saturday afternoon at Morey Field.

The first half started with a strategic breakthrough for Olivet Nazarene as Adrian Kang Hagman scored the opening goal in the 25th minute, assisted by Nathan Schmidli, putting the team ahead 1-0. Despite facing offensive pressure, the visitors' defense held strong with a defensive save following a shot by Julian Vargas Talama of Bethel. However, Bethel equalized in the 39th minute with a goal from Eduardo Pedroza, assisted by Talama, leaving the score level at 1-1 at the end of the half.

The second half commenced with both teams displaying aggressive tactics, resulting in a series of fouls. The Tigers' Atjon Thaqi provided key opportunities with corner kicks at 52:31 and 79:31, keeping the pressure on the home side. Despite Olivet Nazarene's efforts, including a crucial save by Mathis Neuhaus on Thaqi's shot in the 86th minute, Bethel capitalized in the 68th minute with a goal from Lucas Lima assisted by Jona Toussaint, securing a 2-1 lead that would hold until the end.

Hagman scored one goal on his only shot, converting it into a successful strike. Schmidli contributed to the team's offensive play with one assist. Thaqi registered one shot on goal from his total of one shot. Cedric Kunzli played the full 90 minutes as the goalkeeper, facing two shots without recording a save.

The Tigers now hold a record of 2-1-1 following the loss. They will look to get back in the win column with a home match against St. Mary of the Woods Tuesday evening.

--ONU—

*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu