MANKATO, Minn.  – The Bethany women's soccer team (7-9) hosted Maranatha Baptist (6-7-1) in a non-conference game on a gloomy Saturday. It stormed all morning long, but the weather broke to allow for a rain-free game. The Vikings entered the match on a three-game winning streak. Maranatha traveled to Mankato from Minneapolis where they defeated North Central the day before by a score of 1-0. Today, the Vikings were able to extend their winning streak to four games after defeating Maranatha 1-0 in overtime.
 
As both teams gained their footing in the first half, Maranatha had a few more tries on net early. The best try for the Sabercats came off a penalty kick with about 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Viking goalkeeper Averi Cash dug her heels in, ready for the attempt which banged off the crossbar before being controlled by the Viking defense. The best first-half opportunity for the Vikings came only a couple minutes later when freshman forward Madison Perry cut loose for a breakaway. Perry put a hard shot on net that was saved by the Sabercat's goalkeeper. At the end of the half, both teams had accumulated five shots, but the score was 0-0.
 
The Vikings started the second half with a strong wind at their backs. The play by both teams was once again back and forth with each team accumulating a handful of tries. The Sabercats shook loose for a breakaway with about 17 minutes remaining, but the shot banged off the crossbar for the second time in the game. Madison Perry put a hard shot on goal from about 35 yards away that was saved by the Sabercats goalkeeper. Each team had a couple more tries on net, but the second half ended without a score, sending the game into overtime.
 
In the extra period, Nicole Moldstad gained possession of a throw in and dribbled around a defender and into a shot from 35 yards out. The hard shot sailed over the goalkeeper's outstretched hands and into the top right corner of the net for the game winning goal. The Viking bench rushed the field to celebrate another overtime victory.
 
Up Next: The Vikings are back in UMAC action on Wednesday, October 25 when they host Martin Luther at 5 PM.

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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu