WAVERLY, Iowa — The Knights defeated Bethel (MN) 3-1 on Tuesday on Wartburg's turf field behind a two-goal performance from
Alima Mmunga. After heading into the break tied 1-1, Wartburg pulled away in the second half with goals from Mmunga and
Flori Gembo.
The Knights are now 2-2-3 overall and Bethel moves to 3-3-1.
How It Happened
First Half
- The Knights generated three early shots between 4:36 and 7:39, with
Flori Gembo and
Lwings Kabula putting attempts on frame that Bethel (MN) saved.
- Bethel (MN) answered with pressure from 13:48 to 17:52, including a shot off the left woodwork and three
Caleb Cross saves.
- Mmunga scored at 19:21 off assists from Gembo and Kabula to put the Knights ahead 1-0, but James Oberholtzer tied it for Bethel (MN) at 21:05.
- The Knights generated several looks later in the half, including an
Isaac Kelgbeh shot saved at 29:27, and the teams went to halftime tied 1-1.
Second Half
- The Knights opened the half with sustained pressure, recording six shots and three corner kicks between 45:13 and 56:23 while the score remained 1-1.
- The middle stretch stayed level as Bethel (MN) earned a corner and recorded two shots, while Gembo forced a save at 64:29 and
Drew DeSmidt added two attempts around a Knights corner.
- Mmunga scored at 76:07 to put the Knights ahead 2-1, and after Bethel (MN) generated two corners and a shot, Gembo converted a penalty kick at 83:23 to make it 3-1.
- Bethel (MN) added a corner at 85:30 and a shot at 85:49, but the Knights closed out the 3-1 win.
Top Performers
Alima Mmunga
- two goals
- game-winning goal
- four shots, three on goal
Flori Gembo
- one goal
- two assists
- six shots, three on goal
Lwings Kabula
- one assist
- seven shots, two on goal
Caleb Cross
- three saves
- 90:00 in goal
Game Notes:
- Now 3-0-1 all-time against Bethel
- 50th career point for Gembo
- Team - Recorded nine shots on goal in the match, surpassing their season average of 4.6.
- Fourth goal this season and the 13th career goal for Mmunga (37 career points)
- Third goal this season for Gembo (1/1 on PK attempts) and 16th career goal
- Kabula is tied for the team lead in assists with three (6th career assist)
- First start at goalkeeper for Cross this season (11 career saves)
Up Next
Up next, the Knights soccer team travels to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to face No. 17 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29.
