Graceland Men’s Soccer Shows Second-Half Fight in 4-2 Loss at No. 11 Bethel

Mishawaka, Ind. –The Graceland University men's soccer team opened its 2025 season on the road Thursday night, falling to No. 11-ranked Bethel (IN) by a final score of 4-2 at Morey Field. Despite trailing by four goals at halftime, the Yellowjackets (0-1-0 overall) responded in the second half with two late goals, showing resilience and determination against one of the top teams in the NAIA. With the win, Bethel improved to 1-0-0 overall on the young season.

The Pilots wasted little time establishing control in the opening frame. In the 6th minute, Fernando Laserna netted the first tally, assisted by Jona Toussaint, giving Bethel a 1-0 advantage. The momentum remained with the hosts, as Julian Vargas Talama doubled the lead in the 15th minute, finishing a feed from Dani Suarez. The Pilots continued to press in the attacking third, capitalizing again in the 25th minute, when Thiago Dos Santos extended the margin to 3-0 off an assist from Vargas Talama.

The first-half scoring was capped by Suarez in the 34th minute, when he combined with Luca Canto to put away the fourth goal of the night. By halftime, Bethel led 4-0, having outshot Graceland 7-2 while also winning the possession battle in the midfield.

Despite the early deficit, the Yellowjackets regrouped after the break, making tactical adjustments that helped slow down the Pilots' attack. Goalkeeper Yuta Hirano recorded three saves in the match and stabilized the back line, while defenders Adam Wiman, David Hopfer, and Matthew Stine held Bethel scoreless for the entire second half.

After pressing higher up the pitch and forcing turnovers, Graceland broke through in the 88th minute. Freshman Nesta Kofi scored his first career collegiate goal, striking unassisted from just inside the box to cut the deficit to 4-1. Only two minutes later, the Jackets found the net again. Sophomore Ashton Adrian, who came on as a substitute, capitalized on a defensive clearance, firing a shot past the Bethel keeper in the 90th minute. The late tally narrowed the margin to 4-2, completing a spirited comeback attempt.

Overall, Graceland was outshot 9-5, but produced three corner kicks in the first half and four total. Bethel finished with 15 fouls to Graceland's 11, in a physical contest that tested the Jackets' young roster.

After the match, Head Coach Bryan Courtney praised his team's resilience while noting areas for growth: "Today was a tough challenge. To open the season against the No. 11-ranked team in the country with 10 freshmen in our program was a great early test to evaluate our ability to compete at the highest level," remarked Courtney following the season opener. "We have a lot of work to accomplish in the coming weeks but we are proud of the way we battled back and found a way to put some balls in the back of the net."

Courtney emphasized the importance of building confidence through challenging fixtures, noting that the experience against a ranked opponent will serve as preparation for Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play later in the season.

Statistical Breakdown — Final Score: Bethel (IN) 4, Graceland 2. Halftime Score: Bethel 4, Graceland 0. Goals: Bethel – Laserna (6'), Vargas Talama (15'), Dos Santos (25'), Suarez (34'); Graceland – Kofi (88'), Adrian (90'). Shots: Bethel 9, Graceland 5. Shots on Goal: Bethel 7, Graceland 2. Corner Kicks: Bethel 3, Graceland 4. Fouls: Bethel 15, Graceland 11. Saves: Hirano (Graceland) 3, Schouten (Bethel) 0. Cautions: Kaden Edwards (Graceland, 40'), Tomas Franco (Bethel, 48').

Team Records — Graceland Yellowjackets: 0-1-0 overall, 0-0-0 HAAC. Bethel Pilots: 1-0-0 overall, 0-0-0 Crossroads League.

The Yellowjackets will remain on the road as part of their early-season trip through Indiana. After a rest and recovery day Friday, Graceland returns to action on Saturday, August 23, at 1 p.m. (Central) against Grace College. The match will be played at 1st Source Bank Field in Winona Lake, Ind.

For more information on Graceland men's soccer and all of Graceland athletics, visit www.GUjackets.com.