Bracket
The Basics
Score: MNU 2 - Missouri Valley 1
Record: MNU (11-5-4), MVC (16-3-3)
Location: Scheels Stryker Sports Complex - Wichita, Kan.
WICHITA, Kan. – MNU secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over #4-ranked and fellow Heart Conference member Missouri Valley on Saturday in the Round of 16. The defending champs struck first in the 33rd minute through Thomas Giraudo, who created a turnover, then followed the play and converted a pinpoint assist from Rick Hovinga.
In the second half,
Antonio Mugica extended the lead with a penalty kick in the 74th minute, and Valley desperately pressed for the next 15 minutes. MNU defender
Tom Chartier was sent off after a controversial second yellow card, and MNU played a man down as the Vikings threw everything forward. In the 83rd minute, Valley found the back of the net, and the final minutes were a desperate scramble. With 10 seconds left, Valley sent a cross into the box, and the Vikings managed a solid shot from in close. The ball glanced off MNU defender
Josh Hodgson, and deflected off the post and out of bounds as the clock showed zeroes.
Turning Point
Antonio Mugica's penalty kick in the 74th minute gave MNU a critical two-goal cushion.
Individual Leaders
Up Next
The next match is Thursday vs. 5-seed Cumberlands at 1:00.
