The Basics
Score: MNU 1 - Mid-America Christian 0
Record: MNU (2-1), MACU (3-1)
Location: Pioneer Field - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers are hosting their annual Labor Day Tournament, the participants are #6 Missouri Valley College, #8 Mid-America Christian University, #12 Bellevue University, and the Pioneers are #9.
Saturday's game was unveiled as expected, as both teams tried to find gaps in the opponents formation and keep possession in the opposite half. However, as expected with two ranked teams, they are aggressive and unforgiving. Any error will be taken advantage of by the competition, and that is what occurred for the midfielders. Both teams tried to solved this by playing wider, and swinging the ball side to side to find gaps. Therefore, fewer shots were taken and the score would be determined by the slimmest of margins.
During the first half, MACU's goalkeeper Jeremy Abonnel had it relatively easy, since the Pioneers shot on goal only once. In the same half,
Enzo Carvalho had an amazing opposite hand save on a free kick by Cesar Ramirez which was intended for the goalkeeper's right upper corner.
The second half was more of the same. Due to the changes in rules from the NAIA, there is no more overtime in the regular season. With just under 1 minute left, MNU's
Ethan Martinez was fouled 5 yards from the penalty area.
Nicolas Theberge took the free kick, a perfect left footed cross to the middle of the penalty area, and
Izan Ruiz Hernandez rose above everyone else, coming from behind and heading the ball with perfect technique to the back of the net.
Notes
Vitus Voitl stood out on defense for the Pioneers, thwarting several opportunities to help keep the game scoreless.
Cautions and Ejections
MNU: 2 yellow cards
MACU: 1 yellow card, 1 red card (direct)
Up Next
The next game is Monday at home vs. #12 Bellevue at 5:00.
