ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict soccer team returns home this weekend for a pair of key matchups, beginning with its MIAC opener against Bethel University at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the CSB Turf Field. It marks the first of three straight home contests for the Bennies (1-5, 0-0-0 MIAC).

Saturday's game against Bethel will also feature a special promotion, as the CSB Alumnae Board sponsors free popcorn and BUBBL'R for fans in attendance.

The Bennies continue the home stand on Sunday, Sept. 21, with a nonconference clash against UW-Stout at 3:30 p.m., followed by a makeup match against St. Scholastica on Wednesday, Sept. 24. That game was rescheduled after a weather-related postponement on Sept. 17.

Bennies Snap Skid with Road Win
Saint Benedict enters MIAC play coming off a hard-fought nonconference schedule. Last weekend, CSB picked up its first win of the season — a 1-0 road victory over UW-Eau Claire on Sept. 13, highlighted by the first collegiate goal from first-year forward Elly Prairie.

The Bennies followed up with a competitive 2-1 loss to UW-Oshkosh on Sept. 14. Senior Addison Stephani scored her first goal of the season (fifth career), with Regan Melz adding the assist.

Earlier this month, CSB hosted No. 5-ranked Emory, falling, 4-0, and dropped a 2-1 match to Wartburg.

Rhianna Anya earns MIAC Defensive Player of the Week
Junior goalkeeper Rhianna Anya continues to shine in net, earning MIAC Defensive Player of the Week and CSB Athlete of the Week honors for her performances against UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh. The Bloomington, Minn. native tallied a five-save shutout in the win over Eau Claire, followed by four saves against Oshkosh. Over her last 135 minutes, she's made 16 saves while allowing just one goal. On the season, she owns a .846 save percentage, a 2.00 GAA, and 22 total saves in four starts.

Scouting the Opponent: Bethel (0-6-1, 0-1-0 MIAC)
Bethel comes to St. Joseph in search of its first win of the season. The Royals, led by head coach Ben Lindner (36-51-10), dropped a 1-0 decision to Saint Mary's in their MIAC opener.

Four of Bethel's losses have been by just one goal. Offensively, they've netted four goals in seven games (0.57 gpg) while allowing 2.29 per game. Goal scorers include Malia Belby, Natalie Daniels, Sarah Motalebi, and Jessica Oliver.

Scouting UW-Stout (5-2-1)
The Blue Devils, led by first-year head coach Marcos Rodriguez, are off to a strong start in 2025. They recently rolled to a 4-0 win over Northwestern (Minn.) and have notable results in MIAC play, including wins over Hamline (1-0) and Bethel (2-1), a draw with Gustavus (1-1), and a loss to St. Catherine (5-1). UW-Stout averages 1.75 goals per game and allows 1.25, with an impressive 17.9 shots per match. Offensive leaders include Anna Odisho and Kayla White, who each have four goals.

Series History

• vs. Bethel: Saint Benedict leads the all-time series 27-2-3, including a 12-2-2 mark at home. The Royals snapped a long CSB unbeaten streak with a 1-0 win on Oct. 19, 2024, in Arden Hills.
• vs. UW-Stout: CSB holds an 8-2-1 advantage, including a 4-1 home record. The Bennies claimed a 2-1 win in last season's matchup on Oct. 15, 2023.

Leading the Bennies: Coach Steve Kimble
Head coach Steve Kimble is in his 17th season at the helm of Saint Benedict soccer, holding a 155-95-35 career record. Under his leadership, CSB has earned:

• 11 MIAC Playoff appearances
• 13 winning seasons
• 10 top-four conference finishes, including third place in 2023