The MNU Men's Soccer team went on the road last night to play cross town rival, Park University. The Pioneers faced a tough test against the Pirates and came away with a 2-2 draw after two overtime periods.
MNU started the game well. A wide open game led to chances for both teams early in the game. It was the Pioneers who were able to capitalize first. In the 22nd minute,
Frantzly Zephirin got free down the right flank. After his initial cross was blocked, he was able to collect the ball and cross it to
Clark Campbell for a headed shot to the far post. Just 7 minutes later, MNU doubled their lead. A corner kick was whipped into the box by
Eduardo Heringer where
Jonathan Taylor went into the air and headed the ball across the line. MNU went into the halftime break leading 2-0.Â
The second half was a different affair. Park played with real passion and were intent on getting back into the game. Their ability to disrupt the Pioneers game plan began to pay off as they looked to get into the area and create chances. In the 64th minute an MNU foul just outside the box gave the Pirates a great chance. Nicolas Andre stepped up for Park and buried the free kick into the upper left corner to make the score 2-1. MNU's reaction to this was not immediate enough. In the 72nd minute the game was tied when Andrew De La Torre played a ball into the box that Tim Kloster headed into the far post.Â
In the overtime periods, MNU seemed to become the aggressor as they outshot Park 5-0 but it was not enough and the Pirates earned a well-deserved point. For the game MNU outshot Park 18-13, with SOG being 8-6. Park goalkeeper Thalu Masindi had 6 saves on the night. MNU's
Yann Passet registered 4 saves. Park is now 1-0-2 on the season.
MNU is 3-0-1. The next game Saturday at home vs. #6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan. The two teams met last year in a thrilling one goal game that the Pioneers came up short on. The rematch is set for 3:30pm. Come out and support your Pioneers as they look to get things back on track.
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