MCKENZIE, Tenn. (10.06.09) - It is always a tough, physical match when the Bethel University Wildcats and the Cougars of Mid-Continent University get together. With nine cards handed out, the latest installment of the rivalry proved to be no different in the 2-2 - 2OT tie. Not only did the ‘Cats have to battle the Cougars' physical play, rain soaked the field slowing the game down.
Bethel was applying offensive pressure early and outshot the Cougars 9-4 in the first half. But, MCU got on the board first with a goal by Wayne McCarron in the 13th minute. Bethel responded nine minutes later on a well executed play; Mario Vila Boa scored on two touch passes from Samsideen Singateh and Dawyne Smith.
Physical play continued to worsen with seven of the game's nine cards handed out in the second half. The shooting advantage Bethel held in the first was even in the second at 4-4 in direct correlation to the physical play. But, Vila Boa was able to give Bethel a 2-1 lead with a leaping header that got past the Cougars goalkeeper in the 60th minute. But, on an odd play with just 22 seconds remaining, the ball took a high bounce that got behind Bethel keeper, Massimo Collu-Marchese.
In the next two overtimes, Mid-Continent was the only team to register a shot.
Bethel stays unbeaten at 7-0-2. Dating back to last season, the Wildcats are unbeaten in their last 23 matches. The Wildcats will host Martin Methodist College in a pivotal conference match, on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 3:00pm.
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| Samsadeen Singateh runs through the grab of a Mid-Contient player |
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| Armando Orozco looking for an open player as Head Coach Melvin Belong looks on in the background. |
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| Mario Vila Boa tries to make a move toward the goal. |
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| Dawayne Smith looks to receive a pass |
