Bracket
The Basics
Score: MNU 3 – William Penn 1
Record: MNU (16-2-5), WPU (12-6-4)
Location: Orange Beach, Ala. – Orange Beach Sportsplex
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – MNU advanced to their 4th national semifinal with a tough 3-1 victory over conference foe William Penn at the NAIA Final Site on Thursday. The Pioneers previously saw the semis in 2012, 2015, and 2023.
The Pioneers struck first in the 8th minute when Jeremie Pelade continued his postseason surge, slamming home a strike after a pass from Jaxon Slaven. MNU controlled much of the opening half, generating five shots and nearly doubling its advantage when Elyes Ellouz rattled the crossbar in the 35th minute.
William Penn made its strongest push after halftime, piling up six corner kicks and forcing four saves from goalkeeper Tobias Stirl, who held his line under constant heavy pressure. MNU, however, delivered the critical blow late. In the 80th minute, Slaven doubled the Pioneer lead after a perfect pass from Antonio Mugica, giving MNU a 2–0 cushion. Mugica's 12th assist ties him with Jon Lemmon for most in a single season since 2008.
The Statesmen pulled one back just over a minute later on a penalty kick, but any momentum shift was short-lived. In the 88th minute, Mugica sealed it himself, finishing a well-connected sequence from Caleb Brueckner and Pelade to restore the two-goal advantage and send MNU through.
Turning Point
Slaven's 79th-minute strike steadied MNU after extended William Penn pressure, providing the breathing room that ultimately defined the final minutes.
Individual Leaders
Jeremie Pelade: 1 goal, 1 assist
Antonio Mugica: 1 goal, 1 assist
Jaxon Slaven: 1 goal, 1 assist
Tobias Stirl: 4 saves
Up Next
The next game is Saturday vs. #15 West Virginia Tech at 4:00. The winner advances to the National Championship.
