Just one day after a 1-0 win over non-conference foe Manchester College, the Goshen men’s soccer team squared off against rival Bethel College. The game marked the opening of conference play for the Leafs who were unable to duplicate the results from the previous night. In the first half the Pilots came out firing and withing the opening moments had a series of close calls. In the 5th minute Goshen keeper Ryan Troyer made a spectaclular save but was unable to secure the ball. Bethel jumped on the loose ball but defender Julian Sider saved the ball on the goal line and cleared it as the home side breathed a sigh of relief. Despite being out shot in the first half 11-5 Goshen went into the break with the score 0-0.
The second half saw Goshen create more opportunities but they were unable to capitalize. Despite a 7-0 advantage on corners and out shooting the Pilots 11-10 in the second half, Goshen was unable to fine the back of the net. Freshman Jordan Berkey had a near score in the 55th minute but his shot went into the side netting. The game continued to be deadlocked at zero until Bethel finally wore down the Goshen defense. In the 68th minute Bethel player Humberto Trejo pounced on a loose ball in the box to score the games first goal. Goshen continued to try and find the equalizer but a series of three goals in five minutes by Bethel put them up 4-0 and the game out of reach for the Maple Leafs. The loss drops Goshen to 3-8 on the season and 0-1 in conference play. Goshen continues conference play this Saturday where they travel to Winona Lake, In to take on Grace College.
