The Royals took home their first win of the season in a game against the University of Northwestern on Friday at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex. After ending last season with a 5-8-4 record, the Royals missed a spot in the 2023 MIAC playoffs. The Royals’ victory on Friday marked their 11th consecutive win over the Eagles. 

Bethel scored a goal in the third minute, courtesy of junior forward, Jordan Ross. Ross broke through the Eagles’ line of defense with a right-footed shot that landed in the top left corner of the net – giving the Royals an early 1-0 advantage. 

“As soon as that shot went in, I felt relieved to take some of the weight off my teammates’ shoulders early,” Ross said. 

BU kept the pressure on, adding to their lead with a goal from senior midfielder, Bereket Bereketab for a 2-0 lead. 

A yellow card was handed out to Royals midfielder Nathan Hunt in the 25th minute. The Eagles received a free kick just outside the box, a chance to cut the deficit to one. Northwestern midfielder Alejandro Alfaro sent the kick soaring over the crossbar and the Royals’ two-goal advantage remained intact. 

In the 68th minute, midfielder Roy Kyle extended the Bethel lead to three, directing the ball off Northwestern goalkeeper Michael Machuca into the net for a 3-0 lead. 

The Royals scored again in the 74th minute. A long pass from Roy Kyle allowed midfielder Jack Gerber to win a one-on-one battle against Machuca inside the box, pushing the Bethel lead to four. The Royals finished with a 4-0 win, improving their record to 1-0-0. 

“The first game is always a little chaotic, a little crazy,” head coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec said. “Now we can calm down and exhale.” 

For their second match, the Royals will play the Bethany Lutheran College Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 1st at 2 p.m.. They have not won a game on the Vikings’ turf since 2019.