Lindsborg, Kan. – The Bethany College Swedes Men’s Soccer team wrapped up their 2025 season in dramatic fashion on Saturday evening, hosting Southwestern College at Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium for Senior Night. It was a match filled with intensity, goals, and emotion — a fitting ending to a season of growth and resilience for the Swedes.
The game began evenly, with Bethany well-organized defensively and confident in possession. However, Southwestern struck first in the 7th minute with a long-range effort that found the bottom corner. Despite the early setback, the Swedes maintained control of the ball and rhythm of play, limiting Southwestern’s attacks. The visitors extended their lead in the 25th minute off a corner kick, but Bethany quickly responded.
In the 33rd minute, after a well-built play and a defensive rebound, Mordecai Masakwa finished calmly to bring the Swedes back into the game at 2–1. Unfortunately, just before halftime, a miscommunication in midfield led to another Southwestern goal, and Bethany entered the break trailing 3–1 — though showing some of their best soccer of the year.
The second half began with energy and determination from the Swedes, but Southwestern capitalized early, adding a fourth goal via a header from the right flank. Bethany answered with spirit: Freshman Baptista Amofa delivered a perfect corner that found Senior Steven McQueen, who buried a powerful header for his first goal of the night in his last game for the Swedes, cutting the deficit to 4–2.
Just minutes later, Southwestern restored their three-goal lead with a counterattack and was soon awarded a controversial penalty. However, goalkeeper Nikoloz Chitaia came up huge, saving the shot and keeping the Swedes alive — even as the team went down to ten men following a red card during the protest.
Instead of giving up, Bethany responded with one of their most inspired stretches of play all season. Despite being a man down, the Swedes pushed forward with courage and urgency. In the 70th minute, McQueen earned a penalty and confidently converted it himself for his second goal of the match. The senior wasn’t done yet — in the 82nd minute, another perfect delivery from Amofa found McQueen again, who completed his hat trick with a composed header, marking a spectacular finish to his collegiate career.
The Swedes ultimately fell 6–4 in a high-scoring, hard-fought match that showcased their growth, passion, and never-quit mentality. Facing a playoff-bound opponent, Bethany proved they could compete with anyone on their day, ending the year with pride and optimism for what’s to come.
The program extends its deepest gratitude to the seniors for their leadership, dedication, and love for the game. Their legacy will remain part of Bethany College Men’s Soccer, and the Swedes family wishes them all the best in their next chapters.
Thank you, Karl-Heinz Morrow, Steven McQueen, and Jarit Mejia!
Up Next…
With the 2025 season concluded, the Swedes turn their focus toward development and preparation for 2026, building upon the progress and spirit displayed in this thrilling finale.
