Pioneers Take Care of Culver-Stockton

Box Score The Pioneers beat Culver-Stockton 5-0 on Homecoming Saturday. After beating Baker in 2 overtimes on Wednesday, any worry about MNU not being ready for the game was quickly put to rest. The Pioneers came out firing on all cylinders and from the start overwhelmed the visiting Wildcats.
 
MNU almost scored inside the first 10 seconds as Lucas Machado got in behind the CSC backline only to have his shot blocked. This set the tone for the game as MNU was able to get off 42 to shots in the match while the Wildcats only managed 2. In the 8th minute, Atanas Karagyaurov scored from a Matias Fernandez assist to make the score 1-0. Just 8 minutes later, the Pioneers extended their lead with a Eddie Morales goal again assisted by Fernandez. MNU had numerous challenges in the half but were unable to add to the lead. Culver-Stockton's goalkeeper, Richard Balak, had a career day with 10 first-half saves.
 
The second half started much like the first with Morales getting his second goal and Fernandez completing his hat trick of assists. The goal came just 1 minute and 10 seconds into the half. In the 68th minute, Karagyaurov got his second goal of the game from a Machado assist. The Pioneers completed the scoring in the 74th minute with a goal by Taylor Esparza. He was assisted by Karagyaurov and Morales on the play. Balak for CSC ended the game with 17 saves. Chris Eriksson had 2 saves in earning the shutout.
 
Along with Homecoming the team celebrated Senior Day as well. Lippi Souza, Chris Eriksson, Justin Harrison, Rodrigo Rivas, and Taylor Esparza have reached their senior season at MNU. Coach Wardlaw had this to say about the guys. "This year's senior class is really a diverse group of guys. Their individual contributions to our program vary in so many ways. Collectively they have contributed to making MNU Soccer a more nationally recognized program both on the field and in the classroom. I am very grateful to these guys and feel blessed to have been a part of their time here at MNU."
 
MNU improves their season record to 11-3-1 (3-1 HAAC). Next up for the Pioneers is a top-25 matchup Saturday at Missouri Valley 9-2-1 (2-1 HAAC) at 8:30.