Alderete Two Goals Not Enough as Aggies Fall To Bethel

Goodwell, Okla:Aggies women's soccer team faced off against Bethel College (KS) Threshers in a thrilling non-conference match that ended in a 2-3 defeat for the Aggies. The game marked the third time these two teams have met, but this encounter stood out as the Aggies' first time scoring against the Threshers.

In a back-and-forth battle, the Aggies struck first, with Yaddelis Alderete finding the net at the 41:27 mark, assisted by Joyleen Aleman, to give the Aggies a 1-0 lead. Just minutes before halftime, Bethel responded, tying the game 1-1 at the 44-minute mark.

The second half continued the intense play, and Alderete scored her second goal at the 51:12 mark to put the Aggies ahead 2-1. However, Bethel answered back at the 59-minute mark to level the score again. The Threshers would seal the game with a decisive goal in the 83rd minute, handing the Aggies a tough 3-2 loss.

Despite the result, Aggies goalkeeper AlaraLynn Gunderson made nine saves throughout the match, facing 18 shots from Bethel.

Head coach Ken McAlpinesaid after the game,"Today's loss wasatoughone, but the team found their new best.We came out with the best energy we've seen all season. We got the lead twice, and we willwork on getting betterat defending leads and closing out halves and games. But we showed what weare capable ofwhen we try to play on the front foot, and we take a lot of confidence moving forward as we continue to build a team that will compete in conference play."

Game Stats:

• Shots: OPSU 6 (4 on goal), Bethel 18 (12 on goal)
• Saves: OPSU 9, Bethel 2

Upcoming: The Aggies will look to regroup as they prepare for their final non-conference road game. They travel to Winfield, KS, to face Southwestern College on Saturday, September 14.