Box Score MARION, Ind. - Bethel (Ind.) College overcame the Indiana Wesleyan University men's soccer team by a 3-2 margin on a wet Wednesday night at Wildcat Field.
Rain led up to kick-off and continued on throughout the night, making for a slippery playing field.
Despite the conditions, the Pilots jumped out to an early lead as Jesse Brenneman forced a turnover on the Wildcats' backline and beat IWU goalkeeper Spenser Lang on the 1-v-1.
Indiana Wesleyan responded in the 19th minute to tie the score at 1-1 as Mitch Lobdell beat the keeper for his fourth goal of the season. Bethel answered minutes later as Daniel Moyo lifted a high ball outside of the 18-yard box which found the top corner on the far post to regain the lead for the Pilots at 2-1.
As the first half ended with the Pilots leading, the Wildcats held an 11-5 advantage on shots.
Ten minutes into the second half, Indiana Wesleyan tied the score again as Mason Bragg chipped a cross pass to the waiting head of Ben Chleboun. The goal is the third of the season for the defender.
As Indiana Wesleyan gained the momentum in their favor following the tying score, Bethel quickly snatched it back less than two minutes later with their third goal of the night for a 3-2 lead.
Indiana Wesleyan continued to generate scoring chances, highlighted by the 12-5 advantage in shots during the second half. As the final minute approached, the Wildcats forced the ball forward but were denied repeatedly by the mass of Bethel players in the box. IWU earned two excellent scoring chances in the final 30 seconds but the shots went wide of the net as Bethel escaped with the huge Mid-Central College Conference victory.
Indiana Wesleyan out-shot Bethel 23-10 on the night and held a 14-7 advantage in the shots on goal category. Lang ended the night with four saves in net for IWU.
Bethel improves to 9-6-1 overall and 6-1-0 in the MCC. Indiana Wesleyan falls to 8-7-0 and 4-1-0 in conference action.
Indiana Wesleyan returns to play at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, as the Wildcats travel to play Grant County rival Taylor (Ind.) University in Upland, Indiana.
