The Bethany Men’s Soccer team triumphed for the first time in 28 matches on Monday afternoon against Central Christian College. The 3-1 outcome is the Swedes’ first victory since October 15^th 2005 when they beat Tabor College 2-1.  “It will be nice to put the streak behind us.  We have talked all year about starting a winning tradition and we finally took a step in that direction,” said 1^st year head coach Jeff Kidd.

Swedes forward Jonathan Herrera scored first in the 20^th minute by finishing a break away on a through ball from Barrett Robbins.  Coach Jeff Kidd noted, “It was nice for Jon to get an early goal.  He has been putting himself in the right position all year but has had some recent trouble finding the net.”  The Swedes would have a couple more great chances to stretch the lead before half, but could not capitalize. However, the defense, lead by two freshmen center backs, Max Ray and Joe Vieyra, would do a wonderful job of maintaining the 1-0 lead into half time.

“I thought the first half was a little sloppy and I knew we would have to buckle down and be more organized in the second half,” said freshman defender Ray.  That is exactly what the defense from each team would do for the majority of the second half.  Both teams did a great job of keeping the ball out of their net until late in the game when Nnaemeka Obiagwu of Bethany would break through the defense to give the Swedes a 2-0 lead with 9:16 left in the match.  However, it didn’t take Central Christian long to answer back, as they cut the lead to 2-1 in the 83^rd minute on a goal from Ben Stropes.  The Swedes’ Barrett Robbins would counter back and put the game out of reach on a PK in the 89^th minute to preserve the victory.  “I’m really proud of this team and I’m excited to finally have that first win we have been working hard for all year,” said senior forward Robbins.      

The Swedes only have two games remaining this season as they host Friends University and travel to play Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday Oct. the 20^th.