ST. LOUIS- Men's Soccer took on No. 13 Bethel University today (Sept 16) in a nail-biter of a game. Giving it everything they got, the Spartans were able to overcome their opponent to earn the upset.

The Spartans needed to come out in top form if they wanted to take down the undefeated Wildcats. Finding the back of the net was key this game for the Spartans with Bethel averaging almost four goals per game.

MBU was holding its own, managing to control the flow of the game for a large part of the first half. Almost 40 minutes in, junior Emilio Hernandez was able to draw a foul, leading to a free kick just outside the Wildcats penalty box. Captain Jack Griffiths stepped up to take the kick for the Spartans. Going for the shot, Griffiths was able to bounce the ball just under the goalkeeper's arm, bringing the score 1-0. The Spartans weren't able to hold the lead for long. Five minutes later, a mistimed tackle led to Bethel earning a penalty shot, evening the score.

The Spartans came out fighting in the second half, not wanting anything but a win this go round. Playing aggressively, the team was able to draw another foul, securing another free kick. Bologna, Italy native Mattia Visintainer stepped up to take it this time, placing it just to the side of the goal and almost out of play. Freshman Sean Bannon was able to keep the ball in, knocking it right in front of the goal. Forward Marko Dordevic was there to kick it right out of the air and into the back of the net to earn the lead for MBU once again. The Spartan's lead was short lived as only five minutes later, Bethel evened the score once again, proving they weren't going down without a fight.

In what was becoming a bit of a trend, MBU was back on the free kick. Griffiths was up once again to take the kick, launching it right in front of the goal. Dordevic was able to jump up and get his head on it but not able to control it. Junior Andrew Parnas was there to recover it, scoring his first collegiate goal. The Spartans were up once again but the Wildcats answered almost immediately with a goal only a minute later.

Things were getting down to the wire with less than ten minutes left in the game. Both teams had to play it smart and try to gain the advantage wherever they could. The Spartans gained their advantage in what was the reoccurring theme of the night. Back on the free kick once again, this time at about midfield, Griffiths booted the ball towards the middle of the Wildcats penalty box. After the ball ricocheted off a couple Spartans, Bannon was able to control the ball once again, sneaking a pass right through the legs of the defenders. Senior Giuseppe Verrecchia made a sliding play to knock the ball right past the goalie.

There was less than nine minutes left in the half and the Spartans were up 4-3. MBU had to fend off the Wildcats from evening the score for the fourth time. With unrelenting pressure and great defense, the Spartans were able to maintain their lead for the remainder of the game, defeating Bethel 4-3.

In one last tune up before beginning conference play, the Spartans will be taking on Cumberland University next Wednesday (Sept 20) in Lebanon, Tenn.