The Basics
Score: Missouri Valley 2 – MNU 1 (OT)
Record: MNU (13-3-2), Missouri Valley (15-0-4)
Location: Marshall, Mo. – Gregg-Mitchell Field
MARSHALL, Mo. – #22 pushed unbeaten #4 Missouri Valley to the limit on Saturday night in the conference tournament semifinals, but the top-seeded Vikings escaped with a 2-1 overtime win to end MNU's tourney run.
After a scoreless opening 20 minutes, Missouri Valley broke through in the 23rd minute to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The Pioneers regrouped defensively and held firm the rest of the half, with goalkeeper Fiona Popetschnig making a pair of key saves to keep the deficit at one.
MNU's persistence paid off midway through the second half. In the 71st minute, Thayline Teixeira buried her 12th goal of the season off an assist from Lieve Mol, pulling the Pioneers level at 1-1. From there, MNU fought off waves of Viking attacks while creating chances of their own, forcing overtime against one of the nation's top-ranked teams.
In the extra period, however, Missouri Valley capitalized in the first moments. Valley netted their second goal of the match just 30 seconds in to seal the 2-1 result.
Popetschnig was outstanding in goal, recording seven saves on nine shots on target. Teixeira led the Pioneers offensively with three shots—all on goal—and her second-half strike provided the equalizer.
Turning Point
Valley's golden goal in overtime won it.
Individual Leaders
Thayline Teixeira: 1 goal
Lieve Mol: 1 assist
Fiona Popetschnig: 7 saves
Up Next
The Pioneers await a potential at-large bid to Nationals. The selection show is November 14 at 6:00.
