Stats | The MNU Men's Soccer team played their second conference game of the year Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Field. The Graceland Yellowjackets came to town for another classic Heart of America matchup. For the first of October it definitely had a post-season feel to the game with temperatures barely reaching 50 degrees.
Graceland got on the board first in just the 10th minute of the game. They scored off of a corner kick and took a 1-0 lead. MNU did not respond very well to being down in the game and Graceland's high pressure bothered the Pioneers and kept them from gaining any ground. The few times they were able to break the pressure they were dangerous but not enough opportunities were created. Graceland had a chance to extend the lead but the opportunity was missed.
The second half was a completely different game. MNU dominated possession and opportunities but Graceland's goalkeeper, Christian Quintanilla had a magnificent game. He made 3 phenomenal saves in the second half to allow Graceland to keep their lead. MNU continued to press and you just felt like a goal was coming. There were a couple of scary moments for MNU fans as Graceland was able to counter and missed 2 very good opportunities to extend their lead. As it was, the tying goal finally did happen with just 5 minutes remaining when
Tyler Hageman scored off of a corner kick. After the ball was cleared out
Gyer Vierthaler played it back in to
Aurelien Norest who headed the ball across the box to Hageman. Both teams ended the regulation period playing kick ball and the game headed into overtime.
In the overtime periods, the Pioneers were the aggressors. Graceland created 2 chances off of counters from MNU set pieces, and MNU continued to press forward looking for a chance to win the game. Nothing would come of the chances and the game would end in a 1-1 draw. For the game MNU outshot Graceland 23-11 with SOG being 7-4. Quintanilla was credit with 5 saves for the Yellowjackets while MNU's Chris Eriksson had 3 saves. Graceland's record now stands at 5-5-1 (1-0-1). MNU goes to 8-0-5 (1-0-1). The next game for the Pioneers is Tuesday against Baker University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm at Liston Stadium in Baldwin, KS.
