The MNU Men's Soccer team got the season off to a positive start with a 3-1 win on the road at Park University on Saturday. Coming off a season last year that saw the Pioneers make the NAIA National Tournament, expectations are high for this year's team. By all accounts, today sheds a positive light on the outlook for Coach Wardlaw's group this year.
The game was played at Park University's Julian Field and from the outset the weather seemed like it would make an attempt at playing its part in the match. The rain made the pitch heavy, but each team was able to connect passes and implement their style of play. MNU got off to a positive start with multiple chances in the first ten minutes. Park settled in and began to create off of some counters. MNU was able to strike first in the 24th minute as freshmen
Yarin Ohayon netted his first goal off of an assist by senior
Luke Pontin. After this goal Park controlled most of the remaining half as they pushed to get the equalizer. MNU goalkeeper, Chris Eriksson, made a spectacular save to preserve the lead. MNU went into the half leading 1-0.
The second half was a better half for the Pioneers. They managed the flow of the game much better and were able to get their second goal in the 51st minute. A beautiful string of passes finished with Pontin getting his 2nd assist by playing
Taylor Esparza into space for a clinical finish. At this point, MNU looked well on their way to taking the game. Park would have something to say about that as they pushed forward and were able to get their goal in the 60th minute. This made the remaining 30 minutes more interesting. Neither team really created any good chances. Park was pushing for the equalizer and MNU was managing the game and not taking much risk. Finally, in the 86th minute,
Trent Remmich took advantage of a miscue by Park in the back and was in on goal. The Park goalkeeper was forced to foul Remmich as he was in on goal. This resulted in an ejection off and Remmich stepped up and calmly slotted home the ensuing penalty kick.
The game ended without any other incident and MNU was able to claim the 3-1 victory. Park falls to 0-1 on the young season. MNU goes to 1-0. MNU's next game is their home opener on Wednesday, August 29th at 5:30pm. This is the
Sean Middleton memorial game that will recognize Sean and what he meant to the MNU family. Sean was due to be a second year player for the Pioneers, but was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in late July. Come support the boys as we honor Sean and his family before the game.
