MNU Falls in Overtime in Title Game

The storied run to the National Championship game came to an end last night for the MidAmerica Nazarene University Men's Soccer team. After an incredible game featuring two great teams, the Pioneers were defeated by a truly world class goal. A once-in-a-lifetime free kick from 40 yards in the first overtime period was the final shot. The golden goal sent the University of the Rio Grande to their second National Title in school history. MNU falls short in their first National Title game appearance in school history. In the 57 year history of the NAIA, the Pioneers are the first Men's Soccer team from Kansas to appear in the championship game. A phenomenal accomplishment for a program that is just in its 14th season of existence.
 
The weather in southern Florida had not cooperated for the previous rounds of the tournament. But for the title game, the rain let off and the field was in great condition with all things taken into consideration. This was a big factor for MNU as their possession style of play would be greatly affected by a poor pitch. Both teams came out ready for the moment. A strong wind influenced the entire match and in the first half, MNU took advantage of the wind by controlling a majority of possession and outshooting Rio Grande 7-2. They could not make any of those chances count and the score at halftime remained tied 0-0.
 
In the second half, URG took advantage of the wind and outshot MNU 7-3. The MNU defense held up well and you got the sense that it was going to take something special from either team to break the tie. As the game wore on, set pieces became the best opportunities that both teams were creating. A few close calls for each team raised the tension in the game even higher. As overtime approached the tension was palpable. 
 
Rio Grande won the coin toss in the intermission period and chose to take the wind for the first 10 minute overtime period. This proved to be crucial as the set piece that would win the game was aided by the wind. Let that take nothing away from the strike itself. In the 95th minute, Rio's Jeremy de Hoog stepped up and hit a laser into the upper 90 for the golden goal. For the game, MNU and URG tied for shots at 10. Shots on goal were 5-4 in Rio's favor. URG's goalkeeper, Benjamin Martinez and MNU's Juan Pablo Riesco were each credited with 4 saves in the game. Rio Grande finishes their season with a 23-1 record. MNU's record ends at 18-6-1, a school record for wins in a single season.
 
"This loss really hurts," said Coach Wardlaw. "It will hurt for some time but my hope is that as time passes we will all find the space to truly appreciate what a special season this was. This group of men are top class in every way. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to coach them. They will always hold a very special place in my heart for what they gave to the team and how they represented MNU. A special thank you to the seniors for everything they have meant to the program. Their contributions will not soon be forgotten."