The 2026 season got off to an exciting start for Hesston College as the men's soccer team edged out Bethel College 3-2 in their opening match. From the first whistle, Hesston pressed forward, creating chances that quickly translated into goals.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
Santiago Llanos opened the scoring at the two‑minute mark, catching Bethel off guard with a swift strike. Just five minutes later, Jaiden Trevelyan, who also earned an assist on the first goal, doubled the lead with a well‑placed shot that left the opposition scrambling.
The early onslaught forced Bethel to regroup, but Hesston continued to control possession and generate opportunities. A late first‑half effort by Francesco Dardi narrowly missed the target, underscoring the team's attacking intent.
After the break, Hesston extended their cushion when Alexander Radu converted a penalty at the 49‑minute mark, pushing the score to 3‑0. The lead appeared insurmountable, yet Bethel refused to surrender.
Bethel's Late Surge
Connell Silmon finally got Bethel on the board at 1:49 of the second half, cutting the deficit to 3‑1. The momentum shifted further when Erwin Navarro added another goal at 75:21, narrowing the gap to 3‑2 and injecting renewed hope into the visiting side.
Despite the late pressure, Hesston's defense held firm. Goalkeeper Luis Jimenez made five crucial saves, three in the opening half and two after the break, preserving the narrow advantage.
Statistically, Hesston outshot Bethel 16‑18, with eight of those attempts on target compared to seven for the opposition. The volume of chances reflected Hesston's control, even as Bethel's resilience kept the contest competitive.
Looking Ahead
The victory marks a promising start for the Hesston squad, but the schedule does not ease up. Their next test arrives on August 22, when they travel to face Oklahoma Panhandle State University at 7 p.m., a match that will likely determine early season standings.