GOSHEN, Ind. – A beautiful fall night, a large and vocal crowd – although just short of the all-time attendance record of 1,700 which the Leafs were trying to break – and a highly competitive rivalry game all were on hand at the Goshen College Soccer Complex Wednesday night.
Unfortunately, the only thing that could possibly damper the mood – a loss – did.
And in excruciating fashion.
Midway through the second half, visiting Bethel College got the lucky fortunes of a Goshen own goal to hold on for a 1-0 win.
"What a beautiful night for soccer and what a tough way to lose a match," said eighth-year head coach Tavi Mounsithiraj. "Both teams deserved a win, but I had no idea it would be like that."
After a bit of a slow start by Goshen, teams traded small opportunities throughout the first 60 minutes of play.
"It took us a while to get going, but once we settled in, I think we did a much better job of creating chances," explained Mounsithiraj. "In the second half, both sides found a little room and stepped up the pressure."
In the 64th minute, everything changed. With Bethel attacking down the right side, Goshen failed to clear the ball. The Pilots used some confusion in the box to send a ball to the far post. With Bethel players quickly closing in, the ball hit the side of the leg of a Goshen defender and rolled into the goal, giving the Pilots the one-nil advantage.
The lead would hold despite Goshen driving five shots on goal to Bethel's four.
"Overall I thought we could have played better with a little more energy, but give the Bethel side credit as they came here needing a win and they got it," added Mounsithiraj.
Goshen will look to regroup quickly for a showdown at Grace College on Saturday.
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Maple Leaf fans sing the Alma Mater at halftime.