Fayette, Mo. - In a highly physical contest, the No. 3 Central Methodist Men's Soccer program just edged No. 21 Bethel (Ind.), by a final score of 2-1 Thursday night at Davis Field. 

Central improves to 2-0-1 overall, while the Pilots fall to 2-1-1. 

Senior forward Alessandro Salvadego got Central on the board just 10 minutes into the match, scoring on a free ball that landed in the box via Isaac Johnson and Guilherme Pereira.

The Pilots responded 23 minutes later on a set piece to tie the match at 1-1. The match would remain deadlocked entering the halftime break. 

Salvadego would break the deadlock eight minutes into the second half with a score just outside the box, giving Central a 2-1 lead. The Eagles would thwart off a relentless Pilot's attack late into the second to preserve the one-goal victory. 

CMU finished the evening with four shots, including three on goal. Bethel tallied five total shots, with four coming on goal. Salvadego led Central with his first brace of the season, while Johnson and Pereira each picked up an assist. 

The Eagles continue non-conference play against NCAA Divison II Truman State University, Sunday, Sept. 4 at 6:00 p.m. at Davis Field. 

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