MNU Dominates Graceland

The Pioneers defeated conference opponent Graceland University 5-1 Wednesday afternoon at Pioneer Field. For the second game in a row, the Pioneer offense came to life in the second half to solidify a 5-1 victory. With the win, MNU remains in first place in the conference with 3 games to go.

MNU got off to an uncharacteristic slow start in the match this afternoon. The Yellowjackets' game plan was apparent from the kickoff. They were content to drop off and concede possession until MNU moved into their half. From that they would look for opportunities off of the break. In the 14th minute this tactic paid off. A ball played down the left hand wing was crossed in and a nice one touch finish to the back post put Graceland in the lead 1-0. MNU's response was not immediate but the team stayed patient with their game plan and looked confident in doing so. In the span of 41 seconds the game turned. In the 29th minute, Dominic Harrington took a pass from Etienne Proult and finished past the goalkeeper. Just seconds later, and on his very first touch coming off of the bench, Matias Cabello volleyed a shot into the back of the net after the ball was played in by Frantzly Zephirin. MNU went into the break up 2-1. 

The second half was controlled by MNU and they put the game away starting in the 66th minute. Zephirin earned his second assist of the game by beating his guy down the wing and playing a nice ball across the box. Eduardo Heringer was there to finish from close range. In the 75th minute, Cabello completed his brace. A nice piece of individual play was rewarded with a strike from distance into the upper corner. In the 82nd minute, MNU's Trae Hunjak put a cap on the goals for the day. His set piece delivery found its way to the back post and without being touched went off the bar and into the net. 

For the game MNU outshot GU 19-5, with shots on goal being 8-3. The Yellowjacket goalkeeper was credited with 3 saves. MNU's Juan Pablo Riesco had 2 saves in earning the victory. Graceland falls to 7-8 (4-5) on the year. The Pioneers are now 11-2-1 (8-1). They are ranked #9 in the latest National Top-25 poll and come in #8 on the MRPI ranking.

Next up is Homecoming and Senior Day for MNU. Game time is set for 3:30pm on Saturday, October 22nd. The game will take place at the Olathe District Activities Center. This year's seniors will be honored directly after the game.