Stats | MNU was involved in yet another double overtime thriller Saturday at McPherson College. And once again the Pioneers came away with a 1-1 draw. This one, however, had more than its share of drama. Playing their 3rd game in five days, the Pioneers were lacking a bit of the edge they have shown in previous games. McPherson Stadium is a narrow field and with the Bulldogs packed in behind the ball you could see from the onset that this game was going to be a challenge.
The first half was played to a 0-0 draw as neither team could put the final shot away. MNU spent most of the half with the ball, but could not find their way through McPherson's organized defensive unit. The Bulldog's were dangerous on a few counters but could not find the opening goal. That changed very quickly at the opening moments of the 2nd half.
Just minutes into the half, McPherson found the opening goal with a volley from outside the box into the upper corner. MNU immediately began to press for the tying goal and as the half wore on they became more susceptible to the counter. The Bulldog's had several good opportunities to extend the lead but MNU's goalkeeper, Chris Eriksson, made 3 good saves to keep the Pioneers in it. MNU continued to press and were in the McPherson half a majority of the final 30 minutes. Then, with 10 seconds remaining in the game,
Matias Fernandez found himself in with just the keeper to beat. McPherson's goalkeeper made a great save which resulted in a corner kick. With the countdown at 6...5...
Gyer Vierthaler quickly served the corner kick into the box. The ball bounced around and in the last second of the game,
Alvaro Beltran smashed the ball into the net from close range for the dramatic tying goal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO-iRPv2M7w&feature=youtu.be
In the ensuing overtime periods MNU controlled the tempo looking for the winning goal. But even with a 7-1 edge in shots during these periods they could not find the net and the final was 1-1. MNU outshot McPherson 21-17 for the game. The Bulldog keeper was credited with 4 saves. Eriksson had 5 saves on the night. McPherson moves their record to 4-1-1. MNU is 6-0-4. The next game is on the road, Wednesday night at 7:00pm against Ottawa University.
