Box Score MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- The No. 3 Bethel Pilots (16-2-3) will advance to the NAIA Round of 16 following Saturday's 2-0 defeat over Olivet Nazarene (19-3-1) in the Second Round of the NAIA National Tournament at Morey Field. 

After a tightly contested first half, the Pilots broke through in the 68th minute. Freshman Noe Ferreira, returning to action for the first time since Sept. 16 due to a knee injury, scored the opening goal to give Bethel the lead.

Ferreira found the net again in the 79th minute, sealing Bethel's trip to the national final site. Both Pilot goals came during a dominant second half in which Bethel outshot Olivet Nazarene 9-3.

Ferreira finished with three shots and two on frame, while the Pilots totaled 13 shots in the match.

Goalkeeper Maarten Schouten earned the shutout with two saves that prevented the Tigers' offense from finding the net. 

Head Coach Thiago Pinto shared, "Very proud of this team and their resilience to find a way to win. Olivet came well prepared and made it a tough fight. Our guys showed the collective focus and willingness to do the hard things that made the difference. Onto the next one and grateful that our season is extended."

With the win, the Pilots officially punch their ticket to Orange Beach, Alabama, where they will compete in the NAIA Round of 16.

The national tournament in Orange Beach will run from December 1-8. 

Bethel last won the NAIA National Title in 2022, with a 3-1 win over the University of Mobile (Ala.) Rams. 

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