MNU Knocks off Benedictine, Claims Share of HAAC Title

Box Score #15 MNU took on #4 Benedictine on Saturday with the conference regular season title on the line. Benedictine entered the match 1 game ahead and all they needed to do was tie or win the game to solidify their second straight outright conference title. MNU needed to win to force a 3-way tie with Baker and Benedictine. The Pioneers went into John Casey Soccer Complex and played spoiler to the Ravens plans of owning the conference regular season outright. The final score was 1-0. Because MNU won both head-to-head matches with Baker and Benedictine they will be the #1 seed heading into the conference tournament that starts November 8.
 
The Pioneers came out ready to play and almost from the opening whistle they looked to control the pace of the match. MNU's possession was crisp and on point and this allowed the Pioneers a majority of the play in the opening 30 minutes. The Ravens are always dangerous on the counter and Saturday was no different. With this direct style of play they were also able to create numerous set pieces which created some problems for MNU. The breakthrough came for MNU in the 34 minute. After a series of passes that led the Pioneers deep into the Ravens defensive third. A Taylor Esparza cross was cleared away by a Benedictine defender but only to the top of the box. MNU's Daniel Clifton was there to hit a full volley out of the air and bury the ball into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
 
The second half was much different. Benedictine came out in high pressure and a majority of the play in the second half was in the MNU defensive half. The Pioneers were struggling to get their possession game going, and the Raven pressure was very effective which led to numerous set pieces. MNU's Chris Eriksson came up with a tremendous save on a shot from 30 yards out to preserve the lead. Even though BC was in the area a lot, Eriksson was only forced to make 2 saves in the game. MNU's defensive line of Taylor Esparza, Aurelien Norest, Stephan Philippe, and Alvaro Beltran were tremendous in the game as they dealt with Benedictine's pressure very well. As the half wore on MNU began to string some passes together and had 2 great opportunities to extend the lead. Benedictine's goalkeeper, Taylor Vinnage, was up to the task though and made both saves. A nerve-racking last few minutes ended with a Ravens header going wide of the post and MNU was victorious.
 
For the game MNU outshot BC 8-5; with SOG being 6-2. Eriksson earned the shutout and now has 10 on the year.

MNU is 13-3-2 (5-1-1 HAAC). Because of the #1 seed in the conference tournament, MNU will have a first-round bye. They will play at MNU on November 12 vs. the winner of Graceland & Valley. Official brackets for the tournament will be released later this week.