The Basics
Score: MNU 2 – Mount Mercy 1
Record: MNU (8-1-2, 6-0-1), Mount Mercy (5-3-2, 4-2-1)
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Hadzic Field
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – #5 MNU overcame an early deficit and held off a late Mount Mercy push for a 2-1 road victory Saturday.
Mount Mercy struck first in the 14th minute, ending a remarkable defensive run for the Pioneers. The goal was the first allowed by MNU in nine games.
The Pioneers answered before halftime. In the 35th minute, Kevin De Andrade's shot hit the crossbar, and Caleb Brueckner capitalized on the rebound to tie the match 1-1.
The match remained even into the second half before MNU took the lead in the 58th minute. Frederik Brunen set up De Andrade, who finished for his second goal in as many games and gave the Pioneers a 2-1 advantage.
MNU nearly added to the lead moments later. Elyes Ellouz put a shot on goal in the 60th minute, and Lenin Flores hit the crossbar during the same sequence.
Mount Mercy increased the pressure as the second half progressed, but Lennart Fischer and the Pioneer defense protected the one-goal advantage. Fischer made saves in the 79th and 81st minutes, and MNU weathered a late stretch that included three Mount Mercy corner kicks in a span of one minute.
Mount Mercy finished with a 13-10 advantage in shots and an 8-5 edge in corner kicks, but both teams put four shots on goal. Fischer finished with three saves.
The victory extended MNU's unbeaten streak to 10 matches and kept the Pioneers unbeaten in Heart of America Athletic Conference play at 6-0-1.
Turning Point
After falling behind for the first time in nine games, MNU responded in the 35th minute. De Andrade's shot struck the crossbar, and Brueckner finished the rebound to erase the deficit before halftime. De Andrade then completed the comeback in the 58th minute off Brunen's assist, and the Pioneer defense protected the 2-1 lead for the final 32 minutes.
Individual Leaders
Kevin De Andrade: 1 goal
Caleb Brueckner: 1 goal
Frederik Brunen: 1 assist
Lennart Fischer: 3 saves
Up Next
The next match is Wednesday at home vs. Baker at 3:30.
