North Newton, Kan. – The Central Christian College of Kansas men’s soccer team opened the 2026 season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against the Bethel College Threshers on Saturday at Joe McKenzie Field.
The Tigers jumped out to an early lead and held a 2-1 advantage at halftime before Bethel found the equalizer late in the second half to secure the draw.
Central wasted little time finding the back of the net. Just 3:48 into the match, Tendai Machingura scored the first goal of the season for the Tigers, giving Central an early 1-0 advantage.
Bethel responded in the 19th minute to level the match at 1-1.
The Tigers regained the lead midway through the opening half. In the 27th minute, Alejandro Veintimilla converted a penalty kick to put Central back in front, 2-1. Veintimilla finished with one shot on goal and played 73 minutes in the season opener.
Central carried the 2-1 advantage into halftime despite Bethel holding a 7-6 edge in shots during the opening 45 minutes. Nawjot Bhandal made one save in the first half to help preserve the Tigers’ lead.
The second half became a defensive battle as neither team was able to find the back of the net for much of the period. Bethel increased its pressure, recording six shots and five corner kicks in the second half.
Bhandal came up with two important saves in the second half, including consecutive stops on Bethel shots in the 66th minute, keeping Central in front.
Bethel eventually found the equalizer in the 83rd minute, bringing the match to a 2-2 deadlock.
The Tigers held on through the final minutes to earn a draw in their season opener.
Bhandal finished the match with three saves, while Central was limited to six total shots, with three finding the target.
Bethel finished with 13 shots to Central’s six and held a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks, but the Tigers’ early offensive efficiency allowed them to leave North Newton with a point in their first match of the season.
The Tigers (0-0-1), will prepare to travel to Texas for a pair of games against Paul Quinn College and Arlington Baptist University on August 28th and 29th.
