Popescu, Santiago Propel Season-Opening Victory
MISHAWAKA – Bethel Men’s Soccer shut out Holy Cross on Friday evening at Morey Field, earning a 1-0 victory in the season opener in front of a capacity crowd. Matheus Santiago netted a PK goal midway thru the second half while Finn Popescu kept a clean sheet in goal for the shutout.
MATCH VITALS
- Score: Bethel def. Holy Cross 1-0
- Records: Bethel (1-0-0) | Holy Cross (0-1-0)
- NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll: Bethel – NR | Holy Cross – NR
- Location:Morey Field | Bethel University | Mishawaka, Ind.
SCORING SUMMARY
- 70’ | Matheus Santiago (BU) penalty kick
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Miguel Martin earned the penalty inside the box with some nifty footwork to get around his defender and before being pulled to the ground.
- The Pilots outshot the Saints 13-9.
- Finn Popescu made 5 saves to earn his sixth career shutout in goal and his first since Nov. 2, 2019 against Grace.
- Matheus Santiago is the active career leader in goals scored for the Pilots, notching his 18th of his career.
THOUGHTS FROM COACH PINTO
- “Always great to start with a win in front of a full house. Holy Cross had a good game plan and made a difficult game. We had to be resilient and patient to find the winner and settled the game down. I look forward to seeing how other guys will continue to compete for spots and help us grow all around.”
NEXT TIME OUT
- The Pilots travel to Lakeland, Florida to take on Southeastern on Wednesday, August 26 and No. 7 Saint Thomas on Friday, August 28.