Provided by Bethel Sports Information
MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The Bethel University Wildcats are heading to the Mid-South Conference Championship, and they're doing it in commanding fashion. In front of a lively home crowd at Walter Butler Stadium, the Wildcats delivered a complete performance, defeating Lindsey Wilson College 3–0 in the semifinals on Wednesday evening.
With the victory, Bethel improved to 11-1-2 (4-1-1 MSC) and earned the right to play for the conference title. The win also marked one of the most complete performances of the season for Head Coach Malang Jarju's squad — a match defined by efficiency, composure, and defensive grit.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
It didn't take long for the Wildcats to make their mark. Just over three minutes into the contest, Souleymane Balde opened the scoring with a clinical finish inside the box after a smooth setup from Horace Avila Jr. The early strike electrified the home crowd and forced Lindsey Wilson to play from behind from the start.
The pressure didn't stop there. Bethel continued to control possession and tempo, firing 13 shots in the first half. Their persistence paid off again in the 36th minute when senior forward Gregory Cousins doubled the lead. Stanley Grand-Pierre threaded a perfect assist through traffic, and Cousins buried it into the back of the net for a 2–nil halftime advantage.
Defensive Dominance and Finishing Touch
The Wildcats' backline — anchored by Sa-Jar Blair, Ishmael Fuseini, and Enock Owusu — held firm throughout the match, limiting Lindsey Wilson's dangerous attack to just one shot on goal in the second half. Goalkeeper Diego Camargo was sharp between the posts, collecting six saves to record his fourth shutout of the season.
As the game neared its end, Bethel sealed the result in style. In the 87th minute, Cousins struck again, capitalizing on a clever assist from Roberto Rangel to make it 3–0. The goal punctuated a dominant evening for the Wildcats and sent a clear message to the rest of the conference: Bethel is peaking at the perfect time.
Physical Battle, Composed Finish
The semifinal wasn't without its intensity. Both teams combined for eight yellow cards and a red card to Bethel's Javaine Lindsay in the 77th minute, but even with a man down, the Wildcats refused to lose control. Their composure and discipline were evident as they saw out the final 15 minutes without conceding.
Stat Leaders
Bethel outshot Lindsey Wilson 19–7, with 10 on target, showcasing their attacking depth and efficiency.
On to the Championship
With the shutout victory, Bethel now turns its focus to the Mid-South Conference Championship match.
"This group has shown tremendous maturity and unity," Jarju said after the game. "They're playing for each other, and when we do that, we can compete with anyone."
The Wildcats will carry a wave of momentum — and plenty of belief — into the title match, hoping to bring another championship banner home to McKenzie.
Bethel will host the Cumberland University Phoenix Tuesday night. Game time will be announced as soon as possible.
The teams fought to a scoreless deadlock during the regular season.