ST. PAUL, Minn. - The long-awaited whistle, marking the start of the 2026 season, finally blew at 4:00 PM on this hot and humid Tuesday afternoon. The University of Northwestern Men's Soccer team took on the Bethel University Royals in a match that ended 0-4. The Eagles sported eight underclassmen in their starting lineup, four of whom were freshmen getting their first taste of college soccer.
Isaac Johnson (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View) collected his first of five first-half saves in the fourth minute, avoiding an early deficit. Nathan Parker (Lino Lakes, Minn./Heritage Grace Academy) created an opportunity with a cross through the Bethel box in the fifteenth minute that went untouched as the UNW front line was further back on the field. Johnson stopped another Bethel shot in the 21st minute, but the consistent pressure of the Royals' offense paid off in the 22nd minute with the opening goal sneaking into the bottom corner.
UNW continued to battle with their best goal-scoring opportunity in the 32nd minute. Josiah Mezey (Monument, Colo./Village) evaded several Bethel defenders and found a wide-open Hayden McConnell (Lancaster, Calif./Quartz Hill). The freshman, who had subbed in just a minute prior, lifted the shot high over the crossbar. After 45 minutes, Northwestern trailed by one.
In the second half, the Eagles found several additional looks at goal. Less than a minute into the second half, Joe Nyagaka (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) saw a chance at goal, releasing a powerful kick that threatened the Bethel keeper, missing just right of the goal. Off a free kick set-piece, Breaden Morrow got his head on the cross, narrowly missing the back of the net with 37 minutes to go.
Bethel increased their lead in the 58th minute, with the help of a bounce off the post. They added another goal in the 72nd minute and an additional penalty kick goal in the 76th minute. Ryan Dryer (Kenosha, Wis./Westosha Central) delivered the Eagles' final chance with a header off a free kick that missed wide right. Despite the bright chances, UNW finished scoreless.
In goal, Johnson finished with six saves through 90 minutes. Mezey delivered the Eagles' only shot on goal, while Nyagaka, Dryer, Morrow, and McConnell each finished with one shot attempt.
The Eagles will return to the field on Saturday, September 5, for their home opener against Emmaus University at 2:00 PM.
