MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University men’s soccer won a critical Crossroads League match tonight by a 2-1 margin over Bethel (Ind.) in Mishawaka, Indiana.

The two teams were atop the standings but the victory for Indiana Wesleyan separates them from Bethel by four points. Indiana Wesleyan is all alone at the top with 17 points (5-0-2) while Saint Francis is seconds with 15 points (5-2-0). There are two matches left in the regular season.

Indiana Wesleyan would gain the first advantage of the evening on a goal in the 22nd minute. Geoff Bowman served a corner kick into the goal area that Keaton Albert would push past the Bethel keeper for the 1-0 lead.

Less than three minutes later Bethel would find the equalizer in the 25th minute. Ricardo Carvalho took a direct free kick and beat IWU keeper Josh Goepper for the 1-1 score. The half would come to a close with the tied score as Bethel held a 7-5 shots advantage.

The big play in the game came in the 76th minute when Tyrone Martin was fouled by Bethel in the 18-yard box to set up a penalty kick. Bowman would take the kick and score the game-winner for a 2-1 lead.

Indiana Wesleyan outshot Bethel 7-3 in the second half to finish the night with a 12-10 advantage. Bethel put eight shots on goal compared to five for Indiana Wesleyan. Goepper made six saves in net for IWU to earn the victory in net.

The Wildcats improve to 10-3-2 overall while the Pilots drop to 6-8-1. IWU returns to Wildcat Field for their final two regular season contests of the year. The Wildcats will host Grant County rival Taylor (Ind.) on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. and finish with Spring Arbor (Mich.) on Saturday evening.