MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- Following a two week hiatus from play, the TIU men's soccer team returned to the pitch on Wednesday night as the Trojans battled the Pilots of Bethel University (Indiana). Following a loss at Indiana Wesleyan two weeks ago, Trinity looked to bounce back from an 0-2-0 against a Pilots team that finished last season as the NCCAA national runners-up, and received votes in the latest NAIA top 25 poll.

TIU would spend the majority of the match on the defensive side of the ball with very few offensive possessions as Bethel continually pressure goalkeeper Armin Mahmutovic. The Pilots would break through in the 27th minute as Isaac Nunez scored off a deflected save from Mahmutovic while being assisted by Andre Sabino.

Early into the second half, Sabino would again assist on another Pilots goal, finding Joan de Oliveria to put Trinity behind 2-0. The Trojans would only put together four total shot attempts while Bethel dominated on the other end of the pitch. Sabino would net a third goal for the Pilots in the 63rd minute as TIU dropped the match 3-0.

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• The Trojans fall to 2-4-1 all-time against the Pilots. Wednesday's match was the first meeting between the programs since Bethel won back on Nov. 11, 2015 in Indiana.

• Wednesday's loss was TIU's third straight this season, and fourth consecutive dating back to last season.

• Tonight's loss marks the first time since the Trojans have gone four matches without scoring a goal since 2017. That season, TIU went six consecutive matches without a goal that featured four losses and two ties.

• Wednesday night also marks the first scoreless four-match losing streak since 2016.

• Wednesday's match was Armin Mahmutovic's first career start in goal. The freshman keeper from Chicago recorded the first 15 minutes of his career in net during TIU's 3-0 loss at Indiana Wesleyan on Aug. 25.

• Trinity was outshot by Bethel 26-4 in Wednesday's loss, including 9-2 in shots on goal.

• Junior forward Jonny Mueller posted two of TIU's four shot attempts. Josiah Joseph and Trenton Garside would each take one shot attempt on goal.

 UP NEXT

The Trojans (0-3-0) will return to action on Saturday, September 11 as they take on the Saint Xavier University Cougars in their home and conference opener in Deerfield. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30pm CST at Schartner Field, and can be watched LIVE on the Trojan Sports Network. Fans are encouraged to wear camouflage outfits as part of the TIU's Student Government's theme day.

Visit TIUtrojans.com to stay up to date with the latest TIU men's soccer news and updates.

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Trinity International University is a comprehensive, national university affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America and located in Bannockburn, Illinois, 25 miles north of Chicago. TIU educates men and women to engage in God's redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian faithfulness and lifelong learning.