NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – Bethel scored twice early and twice more late, and that was more than enough to power the Threshers (3-3-0, 1-0-0 KCAC) to a 4-0 victory over Avila (2-4-0, 0-1-0 KCAC) on Saturday night in North Newton.

Following their most successful slate of nonconference competition in years, the Eagles moved into KCAC action this weekend with a reinforced sense of optimism and expectations higher than their preseason league ranking would have originally indicated. Unfortunately, on this night, Bethel blitzed Avila early and made that initial impact stand up.

Adalsteinn Kristinsson got the Threshers on the board three minutes into the game, and just more than a minute later Gabriel Villegas doubled the advantage. Despite withstanding the early punch, Avila swung right back: over the next few minutes Malcolm Goswell pushed a shot wide, Ko 'Oo sent a shot high, and reigning KCAC Defensive Player of the Week Tayler Peters had a header saved by Gustavo Infante.

Ultimately, however, the Eagles could never break through. Naguib Nassir made three saves in the first half before chances dried up for both sides, giving Bethel a 2-0 lead at the break. And that's where the scoreline remained until the final ten minutes when Sebastian Formento and Louis Etienne both found the net to seal the deal for the Threshers. AJ Rankin put one more shot on goal that Infante handled and Nassir finished with six saves in his return to action, but the Threshers still started conference play with a comfortable 4-0 win.

Up next, Avila men's soccer will return home to The Z for their first home KCAC doubleheader of the season this Wednesday, September 21 against Friends. The women begin the festivities at 2 PM with the men to follow around 4:30. As always, you can watch all the action on the Avila Sports Network.