MARIETTA, Ga. – Life University (5-4) fell to Bethel University (6-2) in what was defensive struggle on Sunday in front of a crowd 150.
 
"Losing on an own goal, when you are equal to your opponent is hard to take," Head Coach Alex Pama said. "We said at halftime that the team who would make a mistake first would be in trouble, and today that was us. The boys worked hard, but it takes discipline and playing in the organization to win these kinds of games."
 
In what was one of their hardest fought matches of the season, the Running Eagles were outshot 13 to nine with nine shots on goal compared to just two. Freshman Daryoush Hosseini suffered his first loss of the season giving up the own goal with eight saves.
 
The first half set the tone for what was a heavy defensive match. Neither team got a shot off until 13 minutes in, when Hosseini saved a shot from Bethel. Both teams each took five shots in the first half, but four of the Wildcats' shots were on goal with none of Life U's were.
 
The second half looked to be more of the same defensive melee from the first period. Bethel seemed to be more aggressive however, taking more shots. The match's lone goal came at 74' during a defensive struggle in front of Life U's goal, as junior Jacob Bivens attempted to head the ball out but careened into goal, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.
 
The Running Eagles attempted to create opportunities to tie the match back up, but Bethel's defense held and time expired. Bethel came away with the 1-0 victory.
 
"Next week conference play begins and we know we will be ready for our conference opener at home vs Pikeville," Pama said.
 
Life U will now set its sights on Mid-South Conference play, as Pikeville comes to town on Sept. 29.