MANKATO, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team fell 3-1 to Bethany Lutheran College in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play Wednesday night in Mankato, Minn.
Wilbur Reed picked off a pass right in front of the goal, but his shot sailed over the bar to start the game. The Cougars earned a penalty kick in the first 10 minutes.
Luis Mendez stepped up to the spot, but his shot was saved. The Vikings scored on the counterattack seconds after the penalty kick save.
Jake Anargyros had a low-driven shot from outside the box, but it was saved. Minutes later, Anargyros lined up over a free kick right outside the 18-yard box, but his shot was not on target. The Vikings held a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Karson Busch sent a shot toward goal early in the second half but missed wide left. Minutes later, Busch sent a screamer into the top-left corner for his first collegiate goal, tying the game. A bouncing ball inside the six-yard box was put away by BLC to regain the lead. In the final eight minutes, the Vikings added a third goal to win 3-1.
Busch recorded his first collegiate goal in the match. The Cougars totaled eight shots, with six on goal. Busch led the team with two shots.
Dutch Bullock started the game in net and made four saves.
The Cougars return to Morris for a nonconference game on Saturday against the University of Wisconsin-Stout at 4:30 p.m.