CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Sixth-seeded Campbellsville will look to repeat its regular-season victory over third-seeded Bethel when the teams meet in the opening round of the Mid-South Conference men's soccer tournament.
The Tigers enter postseason play at 3-8-5 overall after finishing 1-3-2 in conference competition. Bethel carries a 6-4-2 record and went 3-2-1 against MSC opponents, including a 3-2 loss at Campbellsville on Sept. 24.
Campbellsville rallied from a 2-1 second-half deficit in that meeting, with
Mark Holton equalizing before
Ethan John delivered the winner with 3:18 remaining.
Mihlali Blesi assisted both second-half goals, helping the Tigers secure their conference victory.
Blesi remains Campbellsville's leading attacking threat entering the rematch. He has seven goals and four assists for 18 points, leading the Tigers with 44 shots and 24 attempts on target.
Alessandro Martinez follows with three goals and two assists, while
Izan Garcia Gancedo has contributed two goals and three assists.
Finishing opportunities will be important against a Bethel side that has scored 24 goals while conceding 21 through 12 matches. The Wildcats produced 14 goals in six conference contests, leading the MSC in conference goals, shots, and shots on goal, but did not record a shutout against a league opponent. Campbellsville has scored 19 goals through 16 matches.
Protecting the match after halftime will also be a priority for the Tigers. Campbellsville has outscored opponents 12-11 in first halves this season but has been outscored 17-7 after the break. Bethel enters the tournament following a 4-1 victory over Georgetown in its regular-season finale.
Goalkeeper
Malthe Schou anchors Campbellsville's defense with 58 saves and two individual shutouts in 15 appearances. The Tigers have recorded three clean sheets overall, including scoreless draws with Brescia and Freed-Hardeman during October.
Campbellsville now turns to a rematch with the Wildcats, seeking to build on September's comeback and advance in the MSC Championship Tournament.
