Friday, Bethany took on host Greenville College, but fell 4-0 to Greenville. Despite the loss, head coach Jeff Kidd saw some good things in the game.

"We look like a much more organized team in the back then we ever did last year," Kidd said. "This was great to see, as it is a big emphasize for us."

Due to a yellow card accumulation from the 2008 season, Bethany played without captain and starting center back sophomore Robert Lopez. However, even with the hole, the defense remained "sharp at times" according to Kidd. Senior keeper Logan Adams played solid, making four vital second-half saves. Starting three freshmen in a back line of four, "it is nice to have his experience behind such a young defense," Kidd said.

In the first half, Swedes outshot Greenville 7-6. However, the squad could not seem to get between the posts while Greenville scored on their first three attempts. Bethany found themselves down 3-0 at the half, but did not give up, as Kidd said "it was great to see my time battle the entire second half."

"There was no let down from us today and this is key for our young team," said Kidd. "I told them after the game that if they would keep their heads up and keep battling, then we would win games this year."

The Swedes headed back to the field Saturday afternoon for a match-up with MacMurray College. The team was able to come up with their first victory of 2009 as they rolled to a 7-2 win, the biggest victory margin in Kidd's two seasons at Bethany.

"We came out hungry for the win," he said. "Our back line stayed focused throughout the game to ensure our victory while our offense came out on fire. I saw a lot of good things from the entire team in our effort against MacMurray."

Despite jumping out to an early lead, the Swedes remained focused on defense. "We really did a good job of playing both ways," said Kidd. "I was very impressed to see our team bounce back for a victory one day after a loss."

Senior Emeka Obiagwu, Sophomore Kipp Keffel, and freshman John Nuthall each had two goals and one assist. Freshman Austin Fitzpatrick had one goal. Junior Daniel and Lopez both had one assist.

Bethany is now 1-1 this season. They will return to action Tuesday, September 8 for a scrimmage with Hesston College before making the turn south to Texas. Friday night, September 11, the Swedes will battle Texas Wesleyan University while they will take on Dallas Christian College Saturday evening.