The Basics
Score: MNU 6 - Ottawa 2
Record: MNU (1-0), OU (0-1)
Location: Pioneer Field | Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers opened the 2022 season with a 6-2 victor over Ottawa on Wednesday. MNU out-shot the Braves 30-8. MNU earned 2 penalty shots in the first 20 minutes, and
Rick Hovinga and
Mathieu Ecourtemer converted their opportunities for a 2-0 lead. Hovinga scored again in the 25th and 26th minutes - assisted by
Jony Munoz,
Nicolas Theberge, and
Dennis Palacios - and MNU took a 4-0 lead into halftime. The Braves came out with an early second-half goal, but
Nicolas Theberge scored on an assist from
Jony Munoz, and Ecourtemer connected on a free kick from 25 yards for a 6-1 lead. Ottawa scored in the 72nd minute, but the Pioneers won 6-2.
"For our first game, I was pleased with the performance from the guys," said head coach
Kevin Wardlaw. "We have a lot to work on, but we have a lot of really talented players that are working hard every day."
Individual Leaders
Rick Hovinga had a hat trick by the 26th minute.
Mathieu Ecourtemer had 2 goals.
Nicolas Theberge had a goal and an assist.
Jony Munoz had 2 assists.
Dennis Palacios recorded an assist. And
Enzo Carvalho had 4 saves.
Up Next
The next match is Saturday at Missouri Baptist at 6:00.
