MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The Bethel University Wildcats gave their seniors a memorable sendoff Friday afternoon, delivering a dominant second-half performance to secure a 4-1 victory over Georgetown on Senior Day at Bethel.
Seniors
Joseph Bromfield, Callum "Brycie" Bryce,
Genaro Dumestre,
Tim Haans, Isrrael Rodriguez,
Tyrieke Spaulding, Connor "Macca" McDonald, and Carson Stafford were honored in ceremonies between the games.
Bethel (6-4-2, 3-2-1 MSC) controlled much of the contest, outshooting Georgetown (4-8-3, 0-4-1 MSC) by a commanding 26-4 margin while scoring three second-half goals to pull away for the victory.
The Wildcats wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. In the fourth minute,
Denzil Watson found the back of the net to give Bethel an early 1-0 advantage. Bethel continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half, recording 12 shots and earning two corner kicks while keeping Georgetown's offense in check.
Despite Bethel's pressure, the Wildcats carried a narrow 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
Georgetown found an equalizer in the 59th minute on an own goal, leveling the match at 1-1. The Wildcats responded with determination, continuing to attack and putting pressure on the Georgetown defense.
Bethel broke through in the 72nd minute when
Callum Bryce scored off an assist from
Tim Haans, restoring the Wildcats' lead at 2-1.
The Wildcats continued to build momentum as the second half progressed.
Victor Vilaca Andrade Cardoso added an insurance goal in the 84th minute, extending the advantage to 3-1 and putting Bethel firmly in control.
Bethel put the finishing touch on the Senior Day victory in the 90th minute.
Luiz Antonio Costa Lima scored off an assist from Watson, pushing the final margin to 4-1 and capping a strong offensive performance from the Wildcats.
Watson finished with a goal and an assist, while Bryce, Cardoso, and Costa Lima each contributed a goal. Haans also recorded an assist in the victory.
The Wildcats' offensive pressure was evident throughout the match, as Bethel finished with 26 shots, including 13 on target, compared to just four shots for Georgetown. Bethel also held a commanding 9-1 advantage in corner kicks.
In goal,
Mauricio Gonzalez De Leon played all 90 minutes for Bethel, recording two saves while allowing one goal.
The victory provided a fitting Senior Day celebration for the Wildcats, who showcased their offensive depth, resilience, and ability to respond after Georgetown's second-half equalizer. Bethel's three-goal finish over the final 19 minutes secured the 4-1 result and gave the Wildcats a memorable performance in front of their home crowd.
Saturday night the MSC will release the bracket and pairings for the league championship which begins next week.