Bethel’s Thomas nets game winner over Asbury in first game of NCCAA National Tournament Pool Play

by | Dec 4, 2024 | Bethel University, NAIA, Soccer Blogs, Women's Soccer | 0 comments

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In the hunt for back-to-back NCCAA National Championships, the Bethel Pilots (7-7-6) defeated the Asbury Eagles (9-9-5) 1-0, with Leena Thomas firing the game-winner in the 83rd minute.

The Pilots extended their winning streak in the NCCAA National Tournament to four games, all of which resulted in 1-0.

The Pilots were the first to fire, with Annalise Jung firing on frame and knocking away in the 10th minute, followed by Grace Beck shooting on frame in the 13th minute and Ana Hernandez in the 14th minute.

Thalyta Martins took the last shot of the first half in the 45th minute, which missed wide right. The Pilots took six shots and held the Eagles to only two.

With the Pilots staring down overtime, Leena Thomas booted her 10th goal this season after receiving a pass at the top of the box before firing in front of the net and hitting the top left of the net.

Bethel faces the Judson Eagles, who the Pilots defeated 1-0 on Sept. 7, on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Austin-Tindall Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Fla.

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