121009 Bethel Gracie Vaughan
Grace Vaughan set up the eventual tying goal.
2
Bethel BU (7-4-3, 4-1-2 MIAC)
2
Saint Benedict CSB (5-4-3, 4-3-1 MIAC)
Bethel BU
(7-4-3, 4-1-2 MIAC)
2
Final
2
Saint Benedict CSB
(5-4-3, 4-3-1 MIAC)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 OT 1 OT 2 F
Bethel BU 0 2 0 0 2
Saint Benedict CSB 1 1 0 0 2

Game Recap: Women's Soccer | | Alex Wald

Soccer Battles Wind, Royals for Tie

The Blazer soccer team took on a red-hot Bethel team, and the weather, in earning a 2-2 tie

St. Joseph, Minn. - The Saint Benedict soccer team played a roller coaster of a match against the Bethel Royals today (Oct. 9), ending in a 2-2 overtime draw.

For both teams, the match was an important one, as the winner would gain sole possession of second place and be in a good position to secure home-field advantage for the MIAC tournament. The Blazers came out prepared to meet the challenge head-on, and playing with a strong wind at their backs, took control of the first half from the get-go.

Just 12 minutes in, the Blazers (5-4-3, 4-3-1 MIAC) got the early goal they've struggled to score in many games this season when junior forward Colleen Bouchard scored her third goal of the season off a pass from junior midfielder Laura Kosch. The opportunity was set up by a shot from first-year forward Grace Vaughan that bounced off the post. The goal was the first that the Royals (7-4-3, 4-1-2 MIAC) had given up in over 270 minutes.

The Blazers nearly added another goal later in the half when first-year forward Peggy Renier's shot appeared to be headed for the back of the net before it bounced off the shoulder of a Royal defender and out of play. Saint Benedict dominated the rest of the period, outshooting the Royals 12-to-1 during the first half, but were not able to sneak the ball past the quick Royal goalkeeper, Kathryn McGaffey.

After switching sides at half, the Blazers now had the brutally blistering wind blowing against them, squashing most attempts to move up the field on long balls.

With 15 minutes left to play, the match briefly spiraled out of control for Saint Benedict, who gave up two goals within one minute of each other. The first came from forward Suzette Anderson off a cross from sophomore teammate Jessica Huseby. The second goal was a shot from senior Anne Fazio from outside the box that just sailed over the fingertips of Blazer sophomore keeper Megan Favorite.

The Blazers responded quickly and adeptly to the sudden deficit, with an outpouring of shots and scoring opportunities. This, joined with a little bit of luck, gave them the equalizing goal they needed as they scored on an own goal off a free kick that bounced off a Royal defender and into the net.

In the first overtime, the Blazers again had the strong wind in their favor, helping them rifle off six shots to the Royals zero. All six shots were narrow misses, including one by sophomore Alli O'Brien from the top of the box that appeared it would be the game-winning goal, but was carried just outside the post by the strong cross-breeze.

The tie means the Royals maintain their one point second-place lead over the third place Blazers in the conference standings.

The Blazers round out their five-game home stand this Saturday with a non-conference game against Wisconsin-Whitewater and then will turn their attention to their final three MIAC matches, hoping to secure home-field advantage for the MIAC tournament, as well as a second straight conference championship.


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