The Basics
Score: MNU 1, West Virginia Tech 2
Record: MNU (16-3-5), WVU Tech (20-0-2)
Location: Orange Beach, Ala. – Orange Beach Sportsplex
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – MNU's season came to an end Friday at the NAIA Final Site, falling 2–1 to undefeated WVU Tech in a tense national semifinal. The loss closes another banner campaign for the Pioneers—one that adds to an extraordinary four-year run of excellence. Since 2021, MNU Men's Soccer is 58-16-17 (29-9-9 Heart) with 1 conference tournament title, 4 straight Opening Round hosts, 3 trips to the Final Site, 3 National Quarterfinals, 2 National Semifinals, and 1 National Championship.
MNU generated the better chances early, outshooting the Golden Bears 6–4 in the opening period and earning five corner kicks. Antonio Mugica pushed the attack with two early efforts, while Jeremie Pelade and Ferdi Hagen had shots blocked as MNU controlled large stretches of possession.
But WVU Tech capitalized on a rare breakdown just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Linus Kleinewiese pounced on a loose ball and fired in the opener, putting the Pioneers down 1–0 despite a strong half.
The pace quickened after intermission, and both teams traded chances. In the 61st minute, WVU Tech doubled the lead when Leny Duperray slammed home a cross from Julen Recalde.
Refusing to fold, MNU answered quickly. In the 68th minute, Mugica—one of the most dangerous players in the NAIA all postseason—cut the deficit in half with a world class free kick strike to make it 2–1. Just 10 minutes later he nearly equalized again, forcing a diving save from the keeper.
MNU threw numbers forward in the final minutes, earning three more corners and generating multiple looks, but the last touch never materialized. Despite a 12–9 shot advantage and an 8–4 edge in corners, the Pioneers couldn't find the tying goal.
Turning Point
The 61st-minute goal from \WVU Tech gave them a critical 2-goal cushion, forcing MNU to chase the game the rest of the way.
Individual Leaders
Antonio Mugica: 1 goal, 4 shots (3 on target)
Caleb Brueckner: 1 shot on goal
Tobias Stirl: 1 save
MNU finishes the 2025 season 16-3-5, adding another semifinal appearance to a historic stretch.
