The Bethel men's soccer team (16-5-2) can call themselves NAIA National Champions - a title that was decided only 15 seconds into the first overtime period for a 2-1 victory against No. 2 Rio Grande (Ohio) in Fresno, California. When Rio Grande took a 1-0 lead with 31 minutes remaining in the second half, it was the first goal the Wildcats had allowed throughout the playoffs, outscoring their other opponents 12-0. 14 minutes later the Wildcats struck back and tied the game at 1-1 to set up the dramatic overtime victory. Going into the tournament unseeded, the Bethel men had a lot to prove and did by beating No.1 seed Oklahoma City (4-0), No. 2 seed Rio Grand, unseeded Mobile (Ala.) and No.12 Southern Nazarene (Okla.).

"We showed we are capable of playing with the elite and that we are one of the elite", Glenn Hayes, athletic director for Bethel College said. "Coach Melvin Belong and this team have done an awesome job."