NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Junior forward
Nick Chou scored a 39th-minute goal off the bench to give the Carleton College men's soccer team a 1-0 victory over the Bethel University Royals.
Ben Roman whipped a shot on goal just 13 seconds into the game, but it was saved by rookie goalkeeper Noah Oscarson. Carleton (6-4-1, 2-2-0 MIAC) controlled possession, and kept Bethel (3-8-1, 0-3-1 MIAC) from recording a shot for the entirety of the first half, but wouldn't get another shot of their own on goal until late in the half.
In the 39th minute,
Asher Burt corralled a loose ball and found
Hudson Benites on the corner of the 18-yard box. Benites flicked a ball to the six-yard box for
Oscar Gates, who chipped an effort over the onrushing goalkeeper and on net. Chou tracked the ball to the goal-line and bundled it home for his second goal of the season. Chou nearly got another goal less than a minute later, when Roman slid a through ball for the Washingtonian, who got in alone on goal. This time, Oscarson stood tall and made the save.
The Knights had a trio of threatening chances around the game's hour mark, but couldn't extend their lead. In the 59th minute,
Hays Turner walloped a low shot towards the near corner, but Oscarson made the diving stop. Gates and Benites would both find their way into the box soon after, but each shot was too close to the goalkeeper. Carleton netminder
Adam Ouachani was called into action in the 81st minute, having to stop a tight-angled attempt from Royals forward Tadeo Magana. The rookie backstop was able to corral the high shot, and Carleton finished off a hard-won three points.
Ouachani registered his second career solo shutout, and moved to 4-2-1 on the season. Chou's game-winning goal was the first of his career.
Carleton outshot Bethel 16-3, putting eight shots on goal while holding the Royals to one. The Knights took six corners, and Bethel took three.
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton meets Hamline University in St. Paul on Saturday, Oct. 10. Kickoff from Pat Paterson field is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
