Union Men’s Soccer Battles No. 1 Bethel in Second-Round Loss

McKENZIE, Tenn. — Union Commonwealth University men's soccer (14-4-4) came up short in a 2-1 loss to No. 1 seed Bethel (13-1-2) on Saturday in the second round of the NAIA National Tournament at Walter Butler Stadium.

Game Recap

First Half — Union 0, Bethel 2

Bethel struck first in the 13th minute when Freddie Pickford finished a pass from Stanley Grand-Pierre. The Wildcats doubled their lead in the 35th minute as Ishmael Fuseini converted on an assist from Roberto Rangel.

Union recorded five shots in the half, while goalkeeper Gabriel Mendoza collected three saves.

Second Half — Union 1, Bethel 2

The Bulldogs cut the deficit in the 63rd minute when Donte Campbell netted his first goal of the season off a setup from Patrick Taylor.

Despite generating more pressure and a stronger offensive showing in the second half, Union was unable to find the equalizer.

UCU finished with 16 shots, including eight on target. Mendoza closed the match with seven saves.

Union concludes the season as one of the NAIA's top defensive teams, finishing with a 0.35 goals-against average and 16 clean sheets despite the outcome.