North Newton, Kan. – McPherson traveled to North Newton, Kansas on Wednesday for a matchup with Bethel College. The Bulldogs looked to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to 8th nationally ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday, while the Threshers aimed to return to the win column following a 2-2 draw with Avila on Saturday.
The Basics
Location: Thresher Stadium
Score: MC 1, BC 2
Records: MC 5-5-1 (KCAC 3-4-1), BC 3-8-3 (KCAC 3-5-1)
How it Happened
The Bulldogs opened the match on the front foot, controlling possession and keeping play in their attacking half. In the 12th minute, Gracie Speltz fired the first shot on goal, forcing a save from the Bethel goalkeeper. Shortly after, Alyssa Hill beat the Thresher goalie to a pass from Ayden Jones and sent a shot towards goal but it rattled off the crossbar. Bethel broke through the deadlock late in the half on a goal from Malayasia Larque, to take a 1-0 lead into the half.
McPherson opened the second half with renewed energy, quickly flipping the momentum in their favor. Just seven minutes in Taylor Duvall tested the Bethel goalkeeper with a shot on goal. The Bulldogs’ continued pressure paid off in the 60th minute when Hill found the back of the net off a pass from Ariana Diaz. Both teams traded chances as the half wore on, but the Threshers regained the lead in the 79th minute when Aniaya Lugo slipped one past Emily Singletary at the near post. Hill was shown the only yellow card of the match in the 85th minute after a foul at midfield. McPherson had one final look when Courtney Wickham fired a late shot, but it sailed wide of the net securing the victory for the Threshers.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will be back at Paul Family Field on Saturday for a midday matchup with Southwestern College. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 PM.
