GREAT FALLS, Mont.  – In his fourth season at the helm, behind a 7-0 start to the season, Bushnell men's soccer head coach Joao Ehlers became the Beacons all-time winningest coach on Thursday, as the team traveled to claim a 3-0 CCC-opening victory at the University of Providence.  
 
Bushnell wins their ninth-straight game dating back to last season and wins their conference opener for the first time in three years. The win came in equal parts offensive and defensive dominance, holding a 14-6 advantage in shots and allowing the Argos just two shots on goal.
 
For just the second time in school history the Beacons have produced three consecutive shutouts, giving them five total on the season. Senior Keeper Will Haberfield (pictured) made a pair of saves, dropping his season Goals Against Average to 0.46 with his second credited clean sheet of the season.
 
"Thought we had a solid game today," said Haberfield. "Providence is a tough place to go and the boys responded brilliantly after a long trip and rough conditions. There's a great feeling behind the squad and it is a joy to be a part of such a great group of guys. We are looking forward to the upcoming challenges."
 
Bushnell struck first, scoring in the 16th minute. Javier Gutierrez collected the ball off a deflection, and sent the ball across the mouth of the goal to Emilio Alfaro, Alfaro paused, took a step and fired the ball back across into the right corner of the net for his first goal of the season.
 
Two goals were added in the second half, within seven minutes of each other. Gutierrez picked up his second assist in the 58th minute, finding the feet of Omar Barajas who scored for the seventh straight game, making it 2-0.
 
Barajas has earned his tenth goal of the season, tying for the Beacon single-season record. The reigning CCC Player of the Week now leads the NAIA in goals and points on the season.
 
Another insurance goal came across in the 66th minute. A free-kick by Walter Reustle caromed off of the two-man wall and straight to Danny Rojas who sprinted up the left side of the field unabated before punching in his fifth goal of the season.
 
Coach Ehlers, who now has 25 coaching victories since taking the helm in 2022 said, "We were very strong defensively today. Will did a good job leading the group and keeping the guys organized. We are very pleased with our team effort in the creation of opportunities and possession of the ball throughout the match.
 
UP NEXT: Bushnell will be back on the road next weekend, traveling to face Eastern Oregon University (3-0-2) on Friday and The College of Idaho (0-0-1) on Saturday in two battles of undefeated teams.