FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Saturday afternoon the University of Saint Francis Cougars (7-2-1) traveled to Mishawaka, Indiana to begin Crossroads League play against the Bethel University Pilots (8-1-1) but fell 5-0 as the Pilots proved to be too relentless.

As the game got underway the Pilots came out strong on offense, and their persistence paid off in the eighth minute of play as they opened the scoring.

Bethel added a second goal just eight minutes later in the 16^th minute as the Cougars had to play catchup. Throughout the first half it was the Pilots who dominated the action, and after adding a third goal towards the end of the frame in the 38^th minute, Saint Francis went to halftime trailing 3-0.

Heading into the second half, things didn't get any easier for the Cougars as the Pilots went back on the offensive. Freshman goalkeeper Joe Deitering had to step up and make three saves in the frame's first 12 minutes to give his team a chance.

Throughout the second half the Cougars were able to get a couple shots on net only to have them saved but continued to scratch and claw their way back into the game, but the Pilots remained relentless.

Come the 72^nd minute, Bethel knocked in their fourth goal of the game, and then a fifth goal in the 83^rd minute. The Cougars were never able to catch back up as they drop just their second game of the season.

Throughout the game the Cougars managed two shots with one on goal, while Joe Deitering made five saves on 10 shots on goal from the Pilots.

The Cougars resume play on Wednesday evening when they return home to Bishop D'Arcy Stadium for their first home conference game of the season against the Grace College Lancers (5-0-3) beginning at 7:00 pm.

Cougar fans, stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting Saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.