On Wednesday Sept. 14, the Bellevue College Bulldog men’s soccer team went out to defend their #2 Alaska Airlines NWAACC Coaches’ Poll ranking against Skagit Valley. In a physical contest consisting of four yellow cards over the course of the game (3 of which were by Bellevue), and 85 minutes of scoreless soccer, Freshman walk-on Jonathan Betancourt found the back of the net to break the tie (assisted by Do-Hee Kim) and give Bellevue the 1-0 lead. Bellevue went on to win the game with goalkeeper Ulises Hernandez earning the shutout. Bellevue improved their record to 2-0-1 on the year.
Quotes From Coach Shen
On the Competitiveness of the game:
“It was an expected battle against my former side and winning those nail-biters at the end is what makes all the hard-work worthwhile for the coaches and players. We expected the physicality of the game due to the history.”
Regarding the team’s composure:
“I was impressed with our composure after many squandered opportunities throughout the game. We must have missed at least two sitters and three or four one vs. one opportunities. The men never lost the tempo and controlled the majority of the game throughout the entire 90 minutes.”
When asked about Betancourt’s impact on the game:
“For a moment, it seemed like (scoring a goal) was just not going to happen on that day. However, our smallest player, Jonathan Betancourt, a freshman from Hazen HS scored the biggest goal for the Bulldogs on that particular day. He had to redeem himself since he missed a game-winner during the preseason. Walk-ons are not supposed to make an immediate impact but it speaks volumes to his work-ethic. Johnny earned his collegiate start against Walla Walla in the preseason but had to come off the bench due to class conflicts. It’s never easy coming off the bench, but scoring a game-winner in that fashion says a lot about the player.”
The BC men continued to look sharp this past Saturday Sept. 17 as they took on the Everett Trojans. Bellevue took a 1-0 lead in the first half on a goal from Sophomore Do-Hee Kim in the 7th Minute. Then in the 83rd Minute of the game Alexandru Morari assisted Preston Hale on a score, giving Bellevue the 2-0 victory. Hernandez recorded yet another shutout, his second in as many league games. The second-ranked Bulldogs improved their overall record to 3-0-1, and it’s league record to 2-0; good enough for first place in the west region. Bellevue travels to Whatcom on Saturday Sept. 24 for a 2:15 game.
Last Updated February 3, 2014
