The Bard College men's soccer team opened up its 2025 season with a 3-2 victory over Canton on Friday afternoon.

Betelu broke open the game at the 38:01 mark, sending his free kick from right outside the penalty area past the outstretched arms of Canton's goalkeeper into the bottom right corner of the net. Devon Green was tripped by the Roos' defender to draw the whistle that set up the free kick goal. Throughout the first half, Bard had the lid shut on Canton, as Julian Landau was put in position to make a save once at the 36:21 mark.

The Raptors made it 2-0 just over 13 minutes into the second half. Henry Skeltis drew a foul in the penalty area, leading to a penalty kick by Betelu. The Roos' goalkeeper dove towards the left side of the net as Betelu scored through the right side. The Roos tied up the game with back-to-back goals less than six minutes later. Bard capped off the scoring flurry at the 67th minute with an Emmett Olson key corner kick. Olson found Skeltis, who headed it down, finding Betelu on one bounce at point-blank range for his game-winning goal. The Raptors had a 3-0 edge in corners in the second half, which proved decisive.

Skeltis and Zac Sparacio each played the entire game, while James Bird recorded 86 minutes. Jake Sudit relieved Landau in the second half, recording two saves in his first collegiate appearance.

Bard will head to Potsdam tomorrow for a 1 p.m. kick-off.