CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The last time the Tigers matched up against Bethel, the Wildcats pulled a one goal upset as Campbellsville entered the game as the eighth ranked team in the country and Bethel was unranked. On Saturday night, the roles were reversed as Campbellsville played their upset card, and outdueled the eighth ranked Wildcats, 1-0.
Owen Stott was put to work early in the first half, as the Wildcats shot five goals before the Tigers were able to attempt their first for the match. Nonetheless, in the 25
thminute, Campbellsville was able to get their first shot attempt.
This did not slow the Wildcat attackers down, as Bethel kept putting shots near the Tiger goal, forcing Stott to almost double his season total in saves.
Campbellsville had many breakout attempts in the half, but were outshot 9-5 halfway through play. The Tigers best opportunity came late in the half on a throw-in set piece that was well-placed by
Connor Grant, but was saved by the Bethel keeper.
Throughout play in the second, this duel looked like it would be a nail biter as both teams were simply inches away from breakaway goals that could swing enough momentum to carry them the remainder of the match.
Campbellsville exited the halftime break looking to even up Bethel's shot advantage, shooting the first four shots of the half.
Finally, in the 68
thminute,
Marc Lawrence was able to break through as he collected a cross from Azad Illiozer and fired it home.
Following the Tiger goal, Campbellsville was able to use the momentum to contain much more ball control.
The Tigers limited Bethel's opportunities by successfully escaping corners, throw-ins, and set pieces without allowing the Wildcats to attempt the shots.
As Campbellsville tried to hold on to their one goal lead, play started becoming physical, as the teams tallied nine fouls and three yellow cards in the final ten minutes of play.
Outshooting Bethel 10-4 in the second half, the Tigers were able to escape holding on to their 1-0 lead, and handing the Wildcats their first loss of the year.
The upset card was not the only card played though as the game featured seven yellow cards, on 37 fouls in the match.
Campbellsville will return to action on Wednesday, September 25
thto host Oakland City University at 7 p.m. ET.