MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — In an intense matchup at CH4 Stadium, the Bethel Pilots (8-2-2, 1-2-0) were narrowly defeated by the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars (5-1-5, 2-0-1) with a final score of 2-1.
The Pilots struck first in the 10th minute when forward Piero Sabroso capitalized on an assist from Sami Charaf Amal to give Bethel a 1-0 lead. The Cougars responded in the 20th minute with Aaron Jolly equalizing off a pass from Zack Bowser.
In the second half, Bowser scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, assisted by Jolly and Dante Cooper, putting Mount Vernon Nazarene up 2-1. Despite Bethel’s numerous offensive efforts, including 12 shots (4 on target), they could not find the back of the net again.
Goalkeeper Mathis Neuhaus kept Bethel in the game with two saves, while Mount Vernon’s Brayden Pierson made three crucial stops, securing the victory for the Cougars.
The Pilots fought hard but were ultimately edged out, dropping their second conference game. They will look to bounce back in their next contest.