The Pioneers bounced back on Tuesday night, beating the Graceland University Yellowjackets 2-1 on the road.
Just 8 minutes into the first half, forward
Taryn McClendon headed the ball past the Graceland goalkeeper and into the back of the net. Defender
Kelli Reid crossed a perfect ball from the corner towards the near post, where McClendon was able to find the ball with her head, putting MNU up 1-0 early in the first half.
Both teams would go on to battle for possession of the game for the remainder of the first half which saw both teams create some good opportunities on goal.
It was the Yellowjackets who would strike next with just 5 minutes remaining in the half. Also a set piece goal, the Graceland striker was able to place the ball into the back of the net after a scramble inside the box. The teams would head into halftime tied at 1.
The second half started and looked very similar to the first half, with both teams looking to gain possession of the game. Eighteen minutes into the second half, MNU broke the deadlock with a long range strike from freshman midfielder
Meena Allada. Allada found herself with space in the middle of the field and fired home a shot from 25 yards out, giving MNU the lead once more, 2-1.
MNU would see the game off with a strong defensive performance, limiting the dangerous attack of the Yellowjackets.
MNU finished the game with a total of 10 shots, 5 on target, compared to Graceland's 8 shots, 3 on target.
The Pioneers are 5-3-1 (1-0 Heart). The next match is Saturday at #23 Missouri Valley at 6:00.
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