Bethel women's soccer opens season with loss at William Woods
The Threshers traveled to Fulton on Saturday morning where they fell 4-2, with goals coming from Anderson and Lloyd
FULTON, Mo. — The Thresher women’s soccer team traveled to Fulton, Mo. on Saturday morning to open their 2024 season. Ultimately, they fell short with a 4-2 loss against William Woods University.
William Woods scored their first two goals in the 11th, and 13th minutes, giving Bethel an early challenge. After the quick start, possession was in William Woods’ favor, ultimately leading to the Owls earning their third night goal in the 40th minute.
William Woods kicked off the second half, however, Bethel quickly collected the ball back and took three shots in the first two minutes of the half. The Thresher women were motivated to comeback as fifth-year senior, Grace Anderson capitalized on an opportunity to make the score 3-1.
“Half time helped us organize our defensive structure better. I felt we were the better team in the second half and created a good amount of chances, including our goals. I'm very happy with the reaction of the girls after a challenging start.” stated head coach Ignacio Milla.
The Owls kept their heads up as one minute after Anderson's goal, they scored their last goal and made it 4-1. Even with the Owls’ late goal in the 74th minute, the English freshman for Bethel, Beth Lloyd, would remain calm and earn the Thresher women their second and final goal of the day.
Milla said after the game, “You can tell there were some jitters, but it's normal with this being our first game only six days into preseason.”
The stats in the second half favored Bethel, however, it wasn't enough to get them across the line. The young Thresher team didn't get the start they ultimately wanted, but coach Milla is excited for what's to come, “We're always looking for a win and we didn't get it today. We need to keep working and getting more comfortable with each other, which is not an easy task considering that 12 of the 17 players that played were newcomers.”
The Bethel women will be looking to overcome this setback as they host Hastings, currently receiving votes in the NAIA preseason polls, at Thresher Stadium, on Wednesday, Aug. 28th at 5 p.m. Milla states “We will be back stronger and we’re very excited to have this challenge ahead against a top school”.