ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Carleton College men’s soccer team absorbed its first conference loss of the year, dropping a 1-0 decision at Bethel University. The setback prevented the Knights (10-4-2, 6-1-1 MIAC) from clinching a playoff berth and dropped Carleton into a tie for second in the MIAC standings with just two matches remaining in the regular season.
The lone goal of the contest came in the 65th minute. Bethel’s Martin Manocchio dribbled in from the left wing and crossed the ball in front. Micah Schedler was open in the 6-yard box and knocked the ball into the open net. The goal gave the Royals their first win in the series since 2004.
James Neher (So./Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi) made five saves for Carleton, while Leif Sundberg made a trio of stops for Bethel.
While Carleton saw its six-match win streak was snapped, the Knights still control their own destiny in a race for the their pursuit of another MIAC crown. Gustavus Adolphus (6-1-2 MIAC) took over the top spot in the conference table, but the Gusties hold just a one-point lead after settling for a 1-1 tie today with St. Thomas.
Carleton has road matches remaining on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at St. Thomas (4-3-1 MIAC) and Saturday, Oct. 29 at St. Olaf (6-1-1 MIAC). The Gusties (6-1-2 MIAC) have only one match left, next Saturday vs. Macalester (5-3 MIAC).
