Pioneers Handle Embry-Riddle

The Pioneer Men's Soccer team ended their Arizona road trip in fine fashion Monday night. Coming off a loss on Saturday that left a sour taste in their mouth, the guys left no doubt who the dominant team was going to be. They dominated the match against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on their home field and won the game 5-1.

MNU got on the board early in the 13th minute. A corner kick from Matias Cabello was deflected towards goal by Johannes Keisers. Tanner Hunjak was there to finish the play and put the ball into the back of the net from close range. Just 10 minutes later, Hunjak completed his brace. Frantzly Zephirin got to the bi-line and slotted a ball across the box. Hunjak was at the right place again and finished from inside the six. MNU wasted no time in extending the lead. In the 27th minute, Eduardo Heringer hit a fantastic set piece that left the ERAU goalkeeper stranded on his line. MNU went into the break leading 3-0.

The second half started much like the first. In the 55th minute, Lucas Machado struck a great shot to the far post that beat the goalkeeper. Cabello was credited with his second assist of the night. Even with the Pioneers up 4-0 and in control, the drama of the game was not finished. ERAU continued to work hard and you could see they were committed to seeing the game out. In the 66th minute, MNU's Zephirin received his second yellow of the match and was dismissed. With MNU down to 10 men, the Eagles began to press for a goal. They were rewarded in the 82nd minute. A scrappy play in the box left Nick Goldstein unmarked and in on MNU's Juan Pablo Riesco. He slotted the ball home from close range to make the score 4-1. MNU's response was instant. Just 56 seconds later, Cabello took a pass from Henrik Bengtsson and smashed a shot far post to stretch the lead back out.
 
For the game, MNU outshot ERAU 22-10, with SOG being 13-5. Jacob Rybicki for ERAU was credited with 7 saves. Riesco for MNU had 4 saves. ERAU falls to 3-2 on the year. MNU moves their record to 4-2. The Pioneers travel to Hastings College in Nebraska on Saturday for a 3:00 start.