MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team fell victim to early goals in each half from visiting Bethel University on Friday, allowing the Royals to come away with a 3-0 win over the Cougars at Big Cat Stadium.

Carter Watkinson had an early chance for Minnesota Morris, pouncing on a sloppy giveaway from Bethel in the opening minute of the match, however his long range effort was pulled wide. The Royals didn't wait long to go on top after that, taking a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute as Isaac Howell deftly headed home a cross from Mu Ku Shi.

Bethel doubled its lead in the opening minute of the second half. Keegan Mellema flicked a shot off the crossbar but the ball fell to Lucas Johnson and he punched it in from point-blank range for a 2-0 lead. The final tally of the afternoon came off the foot of Braulio Tapia in the 51st minute off another assist from Keegan Mellema.

Besides Watkinson, Chris Goers and Mayson Palen each had shots on goal in the match for Minnesota Morris. Lucas Harmon ended with three saves on the day.

The three-match home stand for Minnesota Morris wraps up on Sunday with a 12 p.m. kick-off against the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.