Pioneers Lose to Baker in Double OT

Baker University and MNU faced off in a conference game that had post season implications Wednesday afternoon. Coming into the game, the #7 Wildcats and #9 Pioneers were both 7-1 on the year in conference play. The winner of the game would take a step closer to securing a #1 or #2 seed in the upcoming Conference Tournament.
 
Baker came out ready to play and caught MNU right from the opening minute. Just 1:01 into the game, they scored to take the 1-0 lead. Even with the one goal deficit, the Pioneers did not appear to wake up. Neither team created many opportunities and halftime arrived with the score 1-0 to Baker.
 
The second half was better for the Pioneers. They established a bit more rhythm in the game and began to create a few changes. In the 59th minute, MNU's Eddie Morales drew a foul in the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Lucas Machado stepped up and buried the spot kick to level the game at 1. MNU continued to press but could not get the decisive goal. Regulation ended with the game tied.
 
In the first overtime period, MNU had the chances but nothing came of them. In the second overtime, Baker created the chances and on their second one they punished the careless defending shown by the Pioneers. In the 106th minute, after three failed attempts at a clearance from a set piece, Baker's Blake Levine found himself back post and a looping header found the back of the net for the game winner.
 
For the game MNU outshot Baker 11-9, with SOG being 4-3 in Baker's favor. Ryan Emme was credited with 2 saves for Baker. Juan Pablo Riesco had one save. Baker is now 14-2-1 (8-1) on the year. MNU falls to 12-4-1 (7-2). The last regular season game is Senior Day on Saturday at home vs. Central Methodist at 3:30.