HOAG FIELD- Bethany earned their first win of the season against PAC opponent Washington and Jefferson. After a red card forced the Bison into a keeper-less scenario, Defrante Braithwaite ended up putting on the red jersey. The forward was excellent in goal, posting five saves in a shutout 1-0 victory against the Presidents.
The first half was a shootout from both teams. There were a total of 21 shots in the first half, with nine of them being on goal. Many were taken in uncontested situations, but a mix of luck and quick recoveries by defenses ended the first half scoreless.
Tavier Stewart changed the round number to a straight one early after the kickoff. Defender Nahuel Vivas launched the ball from sideline to sideline into Stewart's feet. Stewart was free to run, breaking away from midfield towards the Presidents' goal. Stewart nodded a successful head fake earning himself a goal just one minute into second half play.
The Presidents found themselves in a similar scenario 10 minutes later. However, Matteo Pintus was given an automatic red card for preventing a scoring opportunity in the 56th minute. In a frantic situation, Defrante Braithwaite served as the emergency goalie.
The forward swapped jerseys to enter the goal awaiting the oncoming penalty kick. Braithwaite laid out for his first save of his career at Bethany College, keeping the 1-0 lead and firing up the crowd at Hoag Field.
The crowd got even louder when Braithwaite had another electric save. The newly turned goalie leaped high into the air to tip the ball to himself twice, coming down with the ball as a President was barreling in for a header.
Playing a man down, the Bison were conservative. They continued to play solid defense, holding possession, and draining the clock. They did play for a counter attack in the 83rd minute, but two shots were not enough to earn another goal.
In a gritty effort, the Bison pulled off a shutout victory at home while playing a man down for nearly 35 minutes.
Head Coach Matthew Wolf earned his first victory as Bethany's head soccer coach.
The Bison (1-11-2) will look to build on today's victory this Saturday at 1 p.m. The Westminster Titans (5-7-2) will come into Hoag Field for Bethany's senior day. Festivities will happen prior to the start of the game.
