Bethany started things off strong with two goals in first half. Lauren Loughran, sophomore, defender, dished the ball to Juliana Lopez, freshman forward, who put it just out of the keeper’s reach and into goal. The Swedes continued to press and Lopez was able to pass one up to Lyric Green, freshman forward, who netted one, putting Bethany a 2-0 advantage over the Tigers going into half time.
Emily Butcher, freshman midfielder, joined in the scoring party early in the second half when she was able to give the Swedes some extra cushion off of a pass from Lopez who had a hand in all three of the Swede goals thus far. Finally, Melissa Estrada, freshman forward, smoked a shot that forced the keeper to dive for a save, the resulting attempt to clear by a Tiger defender then ended up in an own goal in favor of the Swedes.
As a team, the Swedes commanded the ball outshooting their opponent 25-6. Of those six, the Tigers put one shot on goal and with the help of her sturdy back line, Jordan Wells, junior keeper, handled easily. On the offensive side, the Swedes put 16 shots on goal. Lopez led the team with one goal and two assists while 10 other Swedes put up shots of their own throughout the match.
“I’m very proud of our team and how we were able to play a complete game today,” Swedes head coach, Justin Olson said. “Offensively, we had a lot of young players step up and execute in the final third today which is a great sign. We were patient in moving the ball around and were able to create some nice opportunities. We still have things to clean up but we will enjoy this one and focus on our next game Wednesday.”
Up Next . . .
The Swedes hit the road for their next nonconference game travelling to Omaha, Neb. to face the College of Saint Mary Flames on today, September 4.
– #RockarStockar –
Photo by Jim Turner ’68

