Bracket
The Basics
Score: MNU 3 - Grace 2
Record: MNU (14-4-4), GC (15-5-2)
Location: Stryker Athletic Complex - Wichita, Kan.
WICHITA, Kan. - #18 MNU advanced to the National Quarterfinals with a 3-2 victory over #5 Grace on Tuesday. This marks the 4th time the Pioneers have reached the final 8 teams. MNU out-shot Grace 9-0 in the first half, but couldn't find the net until a
Jony Munoz strike from the top of the box got passed the keeper for a 1-0 lead in the 45th minute. In the 62nd minute, Munoz threaded a pass between 3 defenders to find
Preston McKay, who calmly tapped the ball by the keeper for a 2-0 lead. Grace answered immediately, but the Pioneers again went up by 2 when
Antonio Mugica's pass went perfectly between the last defender and the keeper, where
Nicolas Theberge snuck through for a 3-1 lead in the 77th minute. Grace pressed desperately for the next 10 minutes, and found a goal in the 85th minute. But the MNU defense held firm the rest of the way to advance to the quarters.
Turning Point
Nicolas Theberge's goal in the 77th minute proved to be the game winner.
Individual Leaders
Jony Munoz had a goal and an assist.
Preston McKay and
Nicolas Theberge had a goal apiece. And
Guilherme Galvao and
Antonio Mugica recorded assists.
Up Next
The next game is Thursday vs. #9 and defending National Champion Bethel (Ind.) in Wichita at 7:00.
