By Sarah Hawbaker

The Bethany College women's soccer team defeated Manhattan Christian College 1-0 in the team's season opener Sept. 3. On Sept. 4, the Swedes fell to Avila University (3-0) 1-7. The games were a part of the first annual Swede Classic Invitational. Freshman Riley Council, Las Vegas, Nev., had the game-winning goal off an assist from junior Megan Xavier, Highlands Ranch, Colo. Xavier had six total shots on goal. Junior Jordan Johnson, Smithville, Mo. had two shots on goal while Council and sophomore Shannon Singleton, North Las Vegas, Nev. chalked up one each.

Senior keeper Sarah Garlock, Thornton, Colo., recorded the shutout for the Swedes.

Saturday's game didn't go as smoothly for the Swedes. Garlock allowed seven goals with nine saves. Xavier, Council and sophomore Amanda VanLoenen, Flower Mound, Texas, each recorded one SOG. VanLoenen had the lone goal for the Swedes with assists from Xavier and Johnson.

The Swedes are now 1-1 on the season going into week two.

Next week the Swedes hit the road for a game Friday at Midland Lutheran College (1-1-1), Fremont, Neb. and Sept. 11 at Concordia University (2-1), Seward, Neb.