Pioneers Fall 1-0

The MNU Men's Soccer team's season came to end on Tuesday night in Delray Beach, Florida. In the Round of 16 in the National Tournament, the Pioneers lost 1-0 to Marymount California University. This was the fourth straight trip for the Pioneers to Nationals and the third straight appearance in the Round of 16. The loss was disappointing for the team, as they had high expectations with that experience behind them.
 
Marymount entered the tournament as one of the newcomers. Playing with the wind, they quickly established a high pressure tactic that made it hard for MNU to establish their game. Early on in the half, Marymount was dangerous on multiple set pieces and corner kicks. Their advantage in sheer size was a challenge for the Pioneers, but the team did well and Marymount was not able to take advantage of this early pressure. As the half wore on, MNU was able to settle into the game. The best goal scoring chance came for the Pioneers when Lucas Machado volleyed a cross on goal that Clark Lydon was able to save. MNU began to establish some possession and the chances began to come. Late in the half, Machado beat his man to the line and played a ball back across the box; Atanas Karagyaurov was there but could not find the empty net. The score remained 0-0 at the half. 
 
Early in the second half, the Pioneers did not take advantage of the wind. They seemed content to sit in and defend. That tactic led to a delayed response from MNU in establishing their game. The chances that were coming in the first half were no longer there. This delay hurt the Pioneers and in the 57th minute, Marymount struck. A free kick outside the box was awarded and Felipe Garcia da Silva stepped up to bury it for a 1-0 lead. MNU responded well to going a goal down and they immediately pressed for an equalizer. Just seconds later, Jeremie Koffi had a good chance to equal the match, but again Lydon was up for the challenge. MNU continued to press and created several good opportunities but it would not be their night. The game finished 1-0 and as it does for all teams but one, the season ended early.
 
For the game Marymount outshot MNU 12-9, with SOG being 5-4. Lydon had 4 saves for Marymount as did Yann Passet for MNU. Marymount moves on to the quarterfinals. MNU's season ends with a 13-4-2 record. Thank you to the seniors from MNU. The last four years for Pioneer soccer has been impressive. An overall record of 53-19-15, a HAAC regular season championship, a HAAC Tournament Championship, 4 straight NAIA National Tournament appearances, including a Final 4 finish in 2012.