The NCC Soccer Program traveled to Mankato, MN on Friday, August 30, 2019 for a Women's and Men's double-header against Bethany Lutheran College. NCC looked to get a couple of road victories, but Bethany was up to the challenge.

The Women's game was first, and the season opener for both squads. Bethany's offense didn't take long to find its rhythm scoring 5 goals in the first half. The Sentinels could not get much going offensively and were held scoreless in the first half.

The Sentinels showed great spirit to start the second half. Despite being short-handed, the Sentinels continued to battle with Bethany. However, the numbers of Bethany eventually overtook the Sentinels as they punched in 4 goals on the back end of the second half.

Bethany Lutheran College won the match 9-0 with goals from 6 different players. Madeline Aguilar led NCC with 2 shots on goal and Camry Porter totaled 22 saves in her first career contest in the net.

Despite the outcome game, Coach Tosaya had encouraging words about his team. "I was super proud of how the women played. We started the 2^nd half missing some girls and it took them [Bethany Lutheran] 20 minutes to score a goal. Very happy with how the women competed and played as a team. We need to get everyone healthy, but excited about what this group can accomplish together."

The NCC Men hung tough in the first half. The Sentinels allowed 2 goals but were unable to manufacture any points of their own. NCC looked to try and produce some offense in the second half, but it was Max Busch of the Vikings that stole the show.

Busch was able to complete a hat trick early in the second half that widened the margin and ensured the victory for the Vikings. In total, Bethany Lutheran scored 8 goals and goalkeeper Moritz Bruns shut out the Sentinel attack.

Coach Tosaya spoke about what he saw after the game. "Friday was against a very good opponent, and we were very happy with how we played against them for 45 minutes. The second 45 showed us we have some work to do, but that's what these games are for. We know we have talent, but now we need to play as a team."

Bethany will be in action again when they host Bethel University on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Both Nebraska Christian College teams have a quick turn-around and look to bounce back against Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN on Monday, September 02, 2019.