Both Bethel University soccer programs looked to begin their 2024 seasons on the right foot after failing to make the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference playoffs in 2023. The men managed a middling 5-8-4 record in 2023, and the women finished ninth in the MIAC at 4-10-2. However, both started their 2024 season strongly, racking up wins in the non-conference portions of their schedules.The men’s team went 3-3 in their non-conference games, while the women’s team has already matched its 2023 win total with a 4-1-1 start to begin the season.
Jessica Oliver’s offensive exploits granted her team its successful beginnings. The women’s solid start is largely thanks to the offensive exploits of Jessica Oliver. To say the sophomore forward is on a tear to begin the season would be an understatement. In seven games Oliver racked up 21 points, including 9 goals and 3 assists. In the last three games leading up to the St.Olaf matchup She scored 17 points, earning her MIAC Player of the Week honors.
Though both teams displayed admirable starts to begin the season, maintaining momentum through the MIAC portion of the schedule is key if either squad hopes to continue on to postseason play. The first test for both teams came this week against St.Olaf.
Sept. 17: Men’s Soccer
Final score: STO 2, BU 1
The first MIAC matchup for the men was no easy feat as they faced the defending NCAA DIII National Champion Oles. This St. Olaf squad saw significant change from a year ago, as three players transferred to Division I programs during the offseason.
The match started well for the Royals as Jordan Ross got the Royals on the board in the 35th minute. He carried the ball into the box and placed a right-footed kick into the top left corner of the net.
Ross’ team leading third goal of the season gave The Royals the lead heading into halftime and deep into the second half. A couple of key defensive plays to keep the Oles off the board. The St. Olaf attack was too much, however, with the equalizer coming in the 66th minute from midfielder Robi Buzakovic.
The Royals’ defense continued to fend off the Ole attack without much of a counter, until the 88th minute when the Ole’s netted the go-ahead game-winning goal from Blaine Batchelor.
The Royals faced 30 shots – including 20 in the second half — en route to a heartbreaking loss to begin MIAC play.
Sept. 18: women’s Soccer
Final score: STO 7 – BU 0
After capping off non-conference play with a 2-0 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Stout, the Royal women looked to build on their 4-1-1 start, and hoped to surpass their 2023 win total in their seventh game of the 2024 season. Their opponent was an Oles team that came in on a similarly hot start at 5-0-1.
The Royals looked overmatched early, surrendering two goals within the first ten minutes of play. The Oles added on with a pair of goals coming in the 33rd and 35th minutes of play for a 4-0 lead at half.
Relentlessly, St. Olaf tacked on three more in the second half for a lopsided 7-0 final score. The Royals had no answer for the Oles’ onslaught as they faced 26 shots.
With a pair of duds to begin conference play, both Royals soccer teams have a chance to bounce back as MIAC play continues. Both teams will look to put their respective losses behind them as they travel to Duluth this Saturday for a pair of conference matchups with St. Scholastica at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
