Bentley secured a 3–1 victory over Saint Joseph Notre Dame in a competitive matchup that remained tied well into the second half before the Phoenix pulled away with two late goals. Behind an impressive attacking performance from senior Chase Rose (No. 5), a decisive free kick from junior Koji Green (No. 17) and a spectacular late finish from sophomore Keannou Iniquez Howell (No. 25), Bentley overcame a first-half equalizer to secure the win.
Both teams opened the match looking to establish possession, with Saint Joseph Notre Dame finding much of its early attacking success through its No. 4 winger. The Pilots repeatedly looked to get the ball to him in wide areas, where his dribbling ability and willingness to take on defenders created problems for Bentley's back line.
Bentley nearly struck first when a dangerous ball was played across the box and finished by No. 32, but the goal was ruled out for offside with approximately 36 minutes remaining in the opening half.
Just two minutes later, Bentley found its breakthrough.
Rose capitalized on a ball played forward following a foul, producing an excellent turn and volley from outside the penalty area. His strike caught the post before finding the back of the net, giving Bentley an early 1–0 advantage.
The goal set the tone for an impressive attacking performance from Rose, whose speed, close control and constant movement made him one of Bentley's most dangerous players throughout the afternoon.
As the first half progressed, Bentley began controlling more of the possession and generating opportunities. Junior Mitchell Pamp (No. 6) provided a composed presence in defensive midfield, helping the Phoenix maintain possession and connect passes through the middle of the field.
Green also impressed with his composure on the ball, while Bentley continued creating chances through crosses and individual attacking runs.
With approximately 10 minutes remaining before halftime, Rose weaved between two defenders and found himself one-on-one with the Saint Joseph goalkeeper. His close-range effort appeared destined for goal, but the Pilots' keeper produced an excellent save to keep the deficit at one.
Rose continued threatening the defense, creating another opportunity after beating his defender inside the box, only to send his shot narrowly wide.
Despite Bentley's growing control of the match, Saint Joseph found an equalizer just before halftime.
Following a free kick outside the penalty area, the Pilots' No. 17 delivered an excellent strike that Bentley's goalkeeper managed to get a hand on but could not keep out. The goal brought Saint Joseph level at 1–1 heading into the break.
Bentley emerged from halftime with renewed attacking pressure, forcing Saint Joseph's defense into several early clearances. Rose continued to lead the attack, sending an effort wide before delivering a dangerous cross that required another impressive save from the Pilots' goalkeeper.
Saint Joseph remained threatening on the counterattack. The Pilots briefly appeared to take the lead following a quick transition and a finish from No. 7, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The visitors created another excellent opportunity when No. 4 delivered a well-placed cross toward No. 7, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. His effort struck the post before Bentley's defense recovered to clear the danger.
Saint Joseph's No. 8 also contributed in midfield, while Nos. 15 and 17 formed a solid central defensive partnership that helped withstand Bentley's attacking pressure.
At the other end, Green continued influencing the match through his passing. With approximately 24 minutes remaining, the junior delivered a perfectly weighted ball over the defense to Iniquez Howell, who attempted to work his way around the goalkeeper but could not convert the opportunity.
The Pilots nearly capitalized on another set piece shortly afterward, with their No. 17 forcing an impressive save from Bentley's goalkeeper on a free kick.
The decisive moment arrived with approximately 18 minutes remaining.
After Bentley earned a free kick near the top of the penalty area, Green stepped up and delivered an excellent strike into the net, restoring Bentley's advantage at 2–1.
With the lead back in their favor, Bentley continued pressing forward rather than settling into a defensive approach.
Iniquez Howell became increasingly dangerous in the closing stages. With approximately 13 minutes remaining, the sophomore created space with a sharp cutback and fired toward goal, only to be denied by another outstanding save from the Saint Joseph goalkeeper.
The Pilots' keeper produced several important stops throughout the contest, preventing Bentley from extending its lead earlier despite sustained attacking pressure.
Bentley continued creating opportunities, including another attack involving Iniquez Howell that resulted in a shot over the crossbar with approximately five minutes remaining.
Then, with just two minutes left, Iniquez Howell delivered the finishing touch.
The sophomore cut past a defender outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful strike into the top-left corner. The spectacular finish gave Bentley a 3–1 lead and effectively sealed the victory.
The goal capped an impressive second-half performance from Iniquez Howell, whose movement, technical ability and willingness to attack defenders helped Bentley maintain its offensive momentum.
For Bentley, the victory was built around several strong individual performances. Rose's early goal and relentless attacking pressure kept Saint Joseph's defense occupied, while Pamp provided stability in midfield. Green's passing and decisive free kick proved instrumental, and Iniquez Howell's late strike put the result beyond doubt.
Saint Joseph Notre Dame, meanwhile, showed resilience throughout the match. Its No. 4 winger consistently created danger, No. 7 came close to scoring on multiple occasions, and No. 17 contributed a first-half free-kick goal while remaining influential in the Pilots' defensive and set-piece play.
Ultimately, Bentley's ability to capitalize on its second-half opportunities proved decisive, turning a tightly contested 1–1 matchup into a 3–1 victory behind two impressive late goals.
Saint Joseph Notre Dame Player Recognition: Inside The Ninety is working to identify the Saint Joseph Notre Dame players who contributed to this match so they can receive proper recognition. If you have access to the Pilots' varsity boys soccer roster with player names and jersey numbers, please contact us at insidetheninety@gmail.com. We would greatly appreciate the help and will update the article with the appropriate player credits.