MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The Freed-Hardeman University Lions led the No. 16 Bethel University Wildcats for 60 minutes, but the hosts rallied to score three late goals to defeat FHU 3-2.
The Lions (11-6-2, 2-5-0 MSC) took an early lead when
Thabo Mahlaha found
Avery Flener who netted his fifth goal of the season at 13:46. With his 10th assist of the season, Mahlaha has the third-most helpers in a single season and is now the second-most prolific assist-giver with 21 in his career. The Lions out-shot the Wildcast 7-5 in the first half with five of the FHU shots being on target.
Freed-Hardeman added a second goal at 59:57 when
Seabata Ts'emane rocketed a shot into the top-left corner of the goal, Bethel (9-5-3, 4-3-0 MSC) began chipping away with a goal in the 67th minute.The Wildcats tied the match with a goal at 78:19 before completing the comeback with a free kick goal at 83:24.
Bethel doubled their shot total in the second half while holding Freed-Hardeman to just one shot in the second 45.
Holding the No. 6 seed in the Mid-South Conference tournament, the Lions now look to the quarterfinal match with the No. 3 seed Cumberland Phoenix in Lebanon.
