Wildcats News
Wed, Nov 11, 2009 - [Men's Soccer]
Armando Orozco battles for position. He scored one of the two goals for the Wildcats.
Armando Orozco battles for position. He scored one of the two goals for the Wildcats.
MCKENZIE, Tenn. (11.10.09) - The number one in the nation Bethel Wildcats defeated the Bulldogs of Cumberland University 2-0 in the semi-finals of the TranSouth Conference Men's Soccer Tournament. The win puts the Wildcats in the Championship game as they look to repeat. The game will be a rematch of last year's championship as Martin Methodist College defeated Lyon College 1-0 to advance. The two teams played to a 1-1 (2OT) tie in the regular season. Bethel is unbeaten in 31 straight games dating back to last season.
 

In a physical first half that saw the teams tie 0-0, Bethel did not allow Cumberland one shot and was only able to take five of their own.

 

The second half was a different story as the Wildcats wore down the Bulldogs and held a 13-4 shooting advantage. The Wildcats did have a problem being on sides being called for it 10 times and negating a goal.

 

But, Rafael Karaoglan found the net in the 65th minute with assists from Dawyne Smith and Eric Rosas. The Wildcats scored again in the 88th minute as Armando Orozco finished with an assist from Felix Obilo.

 

It was the eighth shutout for Bethel goalkeeper Massimo Collu-Marchese and his 14th win of the season.

 

The Wildcats are not 14-0-3 on the season and were ranked number one the nation in every poll this year. The Championship game will be Friday, November 13, 2009 in McKenzie, Tenn. Game time has not been set as of yet.