October 22, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. — Despite a heavy rainstorm in Henderson around noon, the pitch at the Josh Riley Soccer Complex was ready for action as it and the Freed-Hardeman Lions hosted the (RV) Bethel (Tenn.) University Wildcats. Before the match, seniors Drew Caldwell, Seth Janiec, Tyler Robinson, Roger Castelltort, Jack O'Riordan, Jared Hill, and Preston Holladay were honored for their careers wearing the FHU Belltower Crest. The celebration was shortlived, as the Wildcats claimed victory 6-1.

The Freed-Hardeman (4-10-1, 0-9-1 MSC) defensive corps was called upon early in the match, with the Wildcats firing a shot on goal a little more than five minutes into the contest. Unable to clear the ball, the Lions allowed the Wildcats four corner kicks in the span of 10 minutes before the guests found the back of the net at 28:21.

Bethel (11-3-2, 7-3-0 MSC) would find the net a second time in the opening half, pulling ahead 2-0 at the 41:04 mark.

The Wildcats added two more scores to go up 4-0 until Avery Flener got the Lions on the board with an unassisted tally at 69:12 before Bethel ended any hope for answering goals by the men in maroon by scoring two more before the night ended with a 6-1 final score.

Omer Shifris stood strong between the pipes, saving six of the 18 shots sent his way - 13 of which were on goal.

Up Next

The Lions will await the Mid-South Conference to finish sorting things out before learning their opponent and destination for the opening round of the Mid-South Conference Tournament held November 1-11.