Bethel Athletics
Josh Booth, Assistant Athletic Director
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Bethel Threshers (4-10, 3-5) were able to pick up their third win in their last five contests earlier this afternoon. The Threshers visited the Avila Eagles (1-12, 0-8) who could do little in the first half to slow down the Bethel attack, and specifically Chris Torres (SR/Denton, Texas). The senior picked up his first hat trick in more than two years, needing only 21 minutes to do so. Bethel held onto this strong start and finished out the game with a 4-2 victory.
Torres attempted to get the party started in the third minute of play, but had his first shot saved by the Eagles’ goalkeeper. Bethel continued to find opportunities through Avila’s defense though, and eventually cashed in during the 15th minute on Torres’ first goal of the game.
Torres’ hot shooting continued into the 17th minute, when the senior was able to squeeze one past the goalie near the bottom right corner on a penalty kick.
Torres finished off his hat trick performance in the 21st minute by rocketing home his third goal off a quick touch pass from Muhamed Jammeh (FR/Birmingham, England).
Bethel held firm to the 3-0 lead before allowing the Eagles their first goal in the 42nd minute. Bethel carried the 3-1 advantage into the break.
Things stayed remotely quiet but intense throughout most of the second half. Avila began to pick up play just a couple minutes outside the end of regulation, and sent in their second goal of the game in the 88th minute.
Not falling to the sudden urge of a potential tie from Avila, Bethel took control and actually answered with an insurance goal with just 30 seconds remaining. A corner kick by Cristobal Goldberg (FR/Santiago, Chile) allowed Niklas Honer (FR/Bielefeld, Germany) to finish in front of the goal, and Bethel took the 4-2 victory.
“I’m proud of all the boys today,” Coach James Cottage said. “They worked so hard and got the result they deserved today. Chris Torres has been great all year for us and his three goals today were brilliant.”
Bethel moves to 3-5 in conference play, tied for their most KCAC victories since a 5-4 season in 2008. Their next opportunity to continue climbing the conference standings comes on Saturday, Oct. 26 in Thresher Stadium when they host the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes (7-5-1, 6-0-1) at 7:30 p.m.