MEN’S SOCCER

A four-minute blitz early in the second half proved to be the difference Saturday afternoon at King Stadium, as the Huntington men’s soccer team dropped a hard-fought 2-0 Crossroads League decision to No. 23 Bethel.

Both squads entered Saturday’s clash riding positive momentum after winning their previous outings, adding another competitive chapter to a rivalry that saw the Pilots edge HU 1-0 last season after the Foresters claimed a 3-2 victory in 2024.

With the setback, Huntington moves to 4-7-2 overall and 1-4-2 in Crossroads League play (5 league points). The nationally ranked Pilots improve to 9-3-3 on the season and 5-1-1 in league action, extending an impressive campaign in which they have outscored opponents 33-12 while posting seven shutouts.

The Foresters weathered heavy pressure in the opening 45 minutes, relying on disciplined backline play and strong goalkeeping to keep Bethel off the scoreboard. Keeper Zane Hydock turned away three first-half Pilot attempts, while Matheus Menegueli provided a crucial defensive save in the 35th minute to ensure a scoreless draw at the intermission.

Bethel broke through immediately after the restart. In the 49th minute, Luca Canto capitalized off a corner kick sequence at the 48:12 mark, slotting home an unassisted strike to put the Pilots ahead 1-0.

Just under four minutes later, Bethel doubled its advantage. Stephen Nana connected with Felipe Van Dijk in the 53rd minute, with Van Dijk burying a finish at 52:01 to extend the margin to 2-0.

Huntington looked to counter, getting an on-target attempt from Samuel Edem in the 51st minute that was saved by Bethel keeper Noa Sonntag. The Foresters created late offensive pushes from Josh Carter and Edem, but the Pilots’ defense held firm to close out the clean sheet.

Hydock turned in a valiant 90-minute effort between the posts for the Foresters, recording eight saves against 10 shots on frame, plus Menegueli’s team save. Sonntag tallied one save on the lone shot on goal he faced to earn the shutout for Bethel.

Bethel held a 25-5 advantage in total shots (11-1 on goal) and an 8-3 edge in corner kicks on the afternoon. On the season, Huntington has scored 16 goals while conceding 22 across 13 matches with two shutouts.

Up Next
The Foresters remain at King Stadium on Saturday to host Taylor in a 3:00 p.m. Crossroads League matchup.