Bracket
The Basics
Score: MNU 2 - Bethel 0
Record: MNU (15-4-4), BU (18-3-3)
Location: Stryker Athletic Complex - Wichita, Kan.
WICHITA, Kan. - #18 MNU advanced to the National Semifinals with a 2-0 victory over #9 Bethel on Thursday. This marks the 3rd time the Pioneers have reached the final 4 teams. Neither squad could get anything going offensively in the first 30 minutes, but MNU broke through in the 30th minute.
Tom Chartier brilliantly collected a deep pass and controlled it enough to send a cross to
Rick Hovinga, who headed it home for a 1-0 lead. MNU carried the 1-0 lead into halftime.
With heavy wind and rain in the second half, the Pioneers thwarted every Bethel attack, limiting any real chances with long clearances. The Pilots banged one shot off the post, but that was as close as they got to an equalizer. In the final seconds, MNU broke free and sealed it with another Hovinga goal off a pass from
Dennis Palacios, and the Pioneers advanced to the semis.
Turning Point
Rick Hovinga's goal in the 30th minute broke the scoreless tie.
Individual Leaders
Rick Hovinga had both goals.
Tom Chartier and
Dennis Palacios had the assists. And
Enzo Carvalho had 4 saves in the shutout.
Up Next
The next game is the national semifinal on Saturday vs. #8 Oklahoma Wesleyan (17-1-5) in Wichita at 4:00.
