Bird Blasts Two Goals in Win

BETHANY- The Bethany Bison hosted the Franciscan Lady Barons for a rowdy homecoming week game. The Bison had one of their most tense games of the year, rallying to a 2-1 victory on the back of Monica Bird's two goals.

Bird started the game cold. She missed a penalty kick within the first five minutes of the game, followed by another shot wide left. 

On the defensive end, Jazmin Gonzalez had an amazing clear on the goal line. Hope Fair had three saves, but found herself in a difficult situation with a two-on-one inside the box. Gonzalez swept in to help out, sliding and sweeping a ball that was inches away from being a Franciscan goal. 

The rest of the half was a defensive battle by both teams, ending the first 45 scoreless.

Bethany's passing game was on point in the second half. Their goals were scored in almost identical fashion, coming from a three-way passing pattern. 

Jordan Palmer would take the ball from midfield and pass it downhill to Jada Benjamin who used her speed and threatened the goalie. After applying that pressure, Benjamin would dish it across to Bird for a goal.

Palmer and Benjamin each finished the game with a pair of assists. 

Franciscan's goal broke up Bethany scoring, removing the shutout for the Bison. 

The Bison felt the momentum swing after their second goal with the men's soccer team on the sidelines cheering them on. The roar of the crowd lit a fire in the Bison, who locked down on defense in the final 15 minutes of the season. Bethany didn't allow a single shot until the buzzer sounded.

The Bison prevailed in a hard fought battle to boost their record over .500 in conference play and the season.

The Bison (5-4-3) will travel to Geneva (1-10-1) for an away game on Saturday. The game will coincide with Bethany's homecoming festivities, starting at 4 p.m.