The Basics
Score: MNU 3 – John Brown 1
Record: MNU (15-2-5), JBU (12-7-5)
Location: Orange Beach, Ala. – Orange Beach Sportsplex
Bracket
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – MNU punched its ticket to the Quarterfinals with a composed and clinical 3–1 victory over John Brown on Tuesday afternoon at the NAIA Final Site. The Pioneers struck twice in the opening 18 minutes and never relinquished control, extending their postseason run behind a brace from Elyes Ellouz.
MNU wasted no time grabbing the lead, as Ellouz scored just 53 seconds into the match to give the Pioneers instant momentum. John Brown briefly equalized in the 5th minute, but the Pioneers responded when Jeremie Pelade fired a shot off a defender's head for a 2-1 lead (scored an Own Goal).
The Pioneer defense absorbed waves of John Brown set pieces early in the second half—seven Golden Eagle corners after halftime—but held firm, anchored by goalkeeper Tobias Stirl's late save. In the 64th minute, MNU found the breathing room it needed. Ellouz completed his brace after connecting on a well-constructed sequence from Antonio Mugica and Gil Brown, stretching the lead to 3–1 and sealing control of the match.
Turning Point
Pelade's shot broke the tie.
Individual Leaders
Elyes Ellouz: 2 goals
Antonio Mugica: 1 assist
Gil Brown: 1 assist
Tobias Stirl: 1 save
Up Next
The next game is Thursday in Orange Beach, Ala. vs. conference foe William Penn (12-5-4) at 4:00.
