MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats (RV) return to Wildcat Stadium Saturday for an in-state rivalry match against the unbeaten University of Tennessee Southern (RV) Firehawks.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Bethel enters the contest 1-2-1 following a demanding opening stretch. The Wildcats opened the season with a 4-0 loss at Olivet Nazarene before defeating Spartanburg Methodist 2-1 in their home opener.
The Cats then traveled to Alexandria, Louisiana, where they played Texas Wesleyan to a scoreless draw before falling 3-0 to LSU Alexandria.
Despite the loss to LSUA, Bethel has displayed its potential during the young season. The Wildcats controlled much of their match against Texas Wesleyan, finishing with an 18-6 advantage in shots and an 11-2 edge in shots on goal. Goalkeeper Samuel Moreno recorded two saves to earn the shutout.
Serzhan Aitzhanov, Tim Haans, Sam Neill, Mateo Laplazotte and Luiz Antonio Costa Lima have been among Bethel's primary attacking threats, while William Agyemang Kusi, Callum Bryce and Tyrieke Spaulding have helped anchor the Wildcat defense.
UT Southern comes to McKenzie with a perfect 3-0 record. The Firehawks defeated Tennessee Wesleyan 3-2 in their season opener before recording a 2-0 shutout of Bryan College and a 4-1 victory over Brescia. UT Southern has outscored its first three opponents 9-3.
Saturday's match renews a long-standing rivalry between the two Tennessee programs. Bethel owns a 19-9-2 advantage in the recorded series and has won the last three meetings. The Wildcats captured last season's matchup 4-1 at Grissom Pitch in Pulaski.
The contest will be Bethel's final tune-up before Mid-South Conference play begins. The Wildcats visit Cumberland University September 12 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Match Information
Opponent: University of Tennessee Southern
Date: Saturday, September 5
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m.
Site: Wildcat Stadium | McKenzie, Tennessee
Records: Bethel 1-2-1 | UT Southern 3-0
Live Coverage: Available through the Bethel men's soccer schedule