Men's Soccer

Bizarre Ending as Men's Soccer Dominates Judson

Box Score

Final:

Bethel College Pilots: 3
Waterford Estates Fall Classic vs. Judson University: 0

Game Summary

The Bethel College men’s soccer team began play at the Waterford Estates Fall Classic on Friday with the game ending abruptly with 32:10 remaining in the second half and Bethel leading 3 — 0.

Bethel looked very good from the start scoring three goals with the first coming from Martin Ruiz with the assist to Arron Patrick at the 26:35 mark of the first half. The second Pilots goal came after Humberto Trejo knocked in a goal off a Daniel Moyo shot rebound and Arron Patrick added a goal of his own in the second half off the assist from Martin Ruiz.

Things then took a strange turn. A stoppage of play occurred and it was determined that the center official could no longer continue officiating the game. The two remaining officials appeared confident and ready to continue playing the game. However, Judson Coach Steve Burke refused to bring his team back out onto the pitch and play the game with a two—man officiating crew.

With Judson‘s refusal to continue playing the game there was no choice but to stop at that point. NCAA rules which govern NAIA soccer allow for a two—man crew to finish the game if one of the officials is unable to continue.

Action continues at the Waterford Estates Fall Classic on Saturday with two games beginning at 5:00 pm.

*** September 28 Update ***

Mr. Cliff McCrath, Secretary-Rules Editor of the NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Committee has ruled on Judson Coach Steve Burke’s protest:
 
  1. The protest is DENIED.
  2. The game is deemed a “no contest” because it did not progress to the 70:00 minute mark.
 
It is regrettable when something of this nature occurs and it has to be painful for the Bethel team to see a possible convincing victory erased because of circumstances beyond his control. At the same time, the ARs acted responsibly by informing Coach Burke that they were prepared to manage the game under the dual-referee system of control which Coach Burke rejected. According to the rule of law, the ARs should have ‘ordered’ the Judson team to return to the field the failure to do would lead to the application of Rule 5.5.4.2 – and a 1-0 forfeiture for Bethel.
 
The situation is very unfortunate and I grieve for all parties involved. The alternative at this point is to possibly replay if the game should the two schools agree to do so.
 
Mark Lantz, Director of Athletics at Bethel College stated, “This was a very bad situation and it has been a very difficult, frustrating, and sad for the Bethel coaches and players.  It is very hard to see the team exhibit such a dominating performance, only to have a technicality snatch victory from their grasp.  We do not agree with this decision and believe that it is unfair.  However, we are using this opportunity to teach our players how to respond when things do not turn out the way you think they should.  It is time to move on and get better by persevering through adversity.”