Watch
The Basics
Score: MNU 2 - Central Methodist 3
Record: MNU (8-3, 5-1), CMU (9-0, 6-0)
Location: Pioneer Field - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers battled #1 Central Methodist but lost late in a 3-2 home match on Tuesday. The Eagles jumped on the Pioneers quickly, scoring in the 3rd minute. But in the 19th minute,
Rick Hovinga collected a pass from
Nicolas Theberge, beat the defender, and snuck a shot past the keeper to tie the game. It was the first goal CMU allowed all season. The game remained tied at 1 through halftime and deep into the second half. With 14 minutes remaining,
Butoyi Issa got loose on a breakaway and found a streaking Theberge with a quick cross. Theberge slammed a shot past the keeper, and the Pioneers held a 2-1 lead.
In the 80th minute, a turnover in MNU's defensive zone turned into a quick counter by CMU. A big cross found the feet of an Eagle, who poked it home to tie the score. The equalizer seemed to further energize the Eagles, and they managed another goal in the 87th minute to take the lead. The Pioneers couldn't make any threats in the final minutes, and came away with a disappointing loss.
"I can't fault the guys' efforts and execution of the game plan today," said head coach
Kevin Wardlaw. "But to beat the best teams, you cannot make costly mistakes. We had too many today. We will learn these lessons and move forward."
Turning Point
CMU's game-tying goal in the 81st minute started the turnaround.
Inside the Box Score
CMU out-shot MNU 23-2 overall and 11-2 on goal.
Individual Leaders
Rick Hovinga and
Nicolas Theberge had goals. Theberge and
Butoyi Issa recorded assists. And
Enzo Carvalho had 8 saves.
Up Next
The next match is Saturday at Graceland (7-4-1, 3-4) at 7:30.
