2024 Men’s Soccer Preview
MCKENZIE, Tenn.- The Bethel University Wildcats ended their season falling to the Columbia College Cougars in the second round of the 2023 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship. The Soccer Cats finished 13-5-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the Mid-South Conference. The Cats finished ranked 10th in the nation.
Despite losing several key members, Bethel returns some key players to the 2024 squad.
The Wildcats lost their all-time saves leader in Norberto Lima Vieira who recorded 249 career saves. He had 57 saves last season. The Wildcats also lost senior contributors in Nathan Hunter, Nicolas Ruiz and Adrian Musubi.
With several key returning players and several top newcomers, the Wildcats look forward to having another successful season in 2024.
Senior Mid-South Conference first team players Stanley Isaac and junior Gregory Cousins are among the returning forwards who will be counted on for offensive firepower.
The midfield looks to be stout with seniors Mountaga Sall, and Jermaine Murhead. MSC Offensive Player of the Week, the junior returner Hubert Kompany had nine goals on the season, which will add quality and experience to the midfield position.
Sophomore MSC Offensive Player of the Week Goffin Oyirworth is also returning with senior center back Pablo Ramirez. Key returning prospects Sajair Blair and Jermaine Murhead both named to second team MSC.
Bethel will host 10 home games on the season opening in exhibition play against Brescia at Walter Butler Stadium on Tuesday, August 13. The official season opener will be August 19 with the Wildcats hosting Bryan at 6 p.m.
Bethel Men had 47 goals and allowed 20 opposing goals on the season.
As always, the Wildcats look to compete for the MSC title and a berth in the national tournament.
Coach Malang (JJ) Jarju (98-41-10) enters his ninth season as head coach of Bethel men's soccer in 2024-25.