HESSTON, Kan. — The Hesston College men’s soccer team opened its 2026 season with a 3-2 victory over Bethel College Thursday night at Sieber Field. The Larks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening eight minutes and held off a second-half comeback attempt by the Threshers to start the season 1-0 for the first time since 2023.
Hesston wasted little time finding the back of the net. Santiago Llanos scored just 2:10 into the match, with Jaiden Trevelyan providing the assist for the Larks’ first goal of the season. Less than five minutes later, Trevelyan doubled the advantage at the 7:13 mark, finishing off a string of passes from Alexander Radu and Jayden Chaiyote to give Hesston a 2-0 lead.
The Larks continued to create chances throughout the opening half, outshooting Bethel 11-9. Hesston nearly added a third late in the half when Francesco Dardi’s shot struck the post at 43:33, sending the Larks into halftime with a two-goal advantage.
Hesston extended its lead early in the second half when Radu converted a penalty kick at 49:37 to make it 3-0. Bethel answered just 1:49 later, with Connell Silmon scoring off an assist from Nathan Guijon.
The Threshers continued to pressure the Larks and cut the deficit to one at the 75:21 mark when Erwin Navarro scored his first goal of the season. Bethel generated several chances in the final 15 minutes, including a corner kick in the final minute, but Hesston’s defense held on to secure the season-opening victory.
Goalkeeper Luis Jimenez made five saves in the victory, including three in the first half and two after halftime. Hesston finished with 16 shots, eight on goal, while Bethel recorded 18 shots and seven shots on target.
The Larks return to action on Saturday (Aug. 22) as they host Oklahoma Panhandle State University at 7 p.m.
