Thresher soccer teams get a loss and a tie against Kansas Wesleyan with three games left in the season
The women lost 4-1 while the men tied 1-1, making the playoff race even tighter in the KCAC for both teams.
The Bethel women moved on to a 3-6-1 record in the KCAC after a 4-1 loss versus Kansas Wesleyan. The Threshers are currently sitting in 10th place in the KCAC, leaving absolutely zero margin for error in the rest of their season if they want to keep their playoff dream alive.
With only three games remaining, the playoff picture is still unclear for both teams. The men’s team has a chance to move into the top four, which would secure them a home playoff game, an advantage that could make a significant difference in a tight table.
The Thresher men also took on the Coyotes, who are placed second in the KCAC. With this tie, Bethel is in 7th place, tied at 15 points with Friends.
“Right now, I don’t feel comfortable with where we stand, but we have three games to respond and improve before the playoffs,” said Coach Luka Milicevic.
Bethel was going into the game versus the Coyotes as the underdogs and would remain that way as Kansas Wesleyan would earn a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute after a missed clearance from the Threshers. This goal would end the half and give the Threshers time to reflect after a slow first half.
As the lads would come out for the second half, Bethel was looking more in control and dominant, as they knew they needed at least a tie in this game. Although they looked stronger, the Threshers left their home fans on the edge of their seats until 10 minutes were remaining on the clock.
Filip Maksimovic, a sophomore striker from Belgrade, Serbia, came through for the Threshers in the 79th minute. His 14th goal in 14 games this season was a crucial equalizer that gave Bethel a valuable point in the standings. Maksimovic is the top scorer in the conference and continues to be a key player in Bethel’s postseason ambitions.
Milicevic added, “We started very slow and had a decent second half. A tie feels okay given that we scored late.”
The next game for the Threshers is one to look forward to, especially for the seniors on both teams, as they will be celebrated before the game for all of their accomplishments as Threshers.
The women will have four seniors represented, and the men will have six. This senior night will be played at home versus Saint Mary. The Spires will travel to Newton this Saturday, October 26th, at 5:00 p.m. for the women and 8:00 p.m. for the men. The Lady Spires are sitting in 7th place, and the men are in 4th in the KCAC.