The Basics
Score: MNU 2 – Central Methodist 2 (MNU advances 4-2 on penalty kicks)
Record: MNU (11-5-3), CMU (9-4-5)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Pioneer Stadium

OLATHE, Kan. – MNU survived a dramatic finish against Central Methodist on Wednesday, advancing to the semifinals of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Tournament with a 4-2 penalty kick shootout victory following a 2-2 draw. The Pioneers built a 2-0 lead early in the second half, but the Eagles rallied to force overtime before MNU prevailed in the shootout.

MNU struck first in the 19th minute when Jaxon Slaven found the net for his 5th goal of the season, giving the Pioneers a 1-0 advantage they carried into halftime.

The Pioneers doubled their lead less than 2 minutes into the second half. Kevin De Andrade set up David Stoklasek for his 4th goal of the season at 46:49, putting MNU ahead 2-0. Central Methodist responded less than 2 minutes later, cutting the deficit to 2-1 at 48:44.

MNU maintained its narrow advantage for nearly 40 minutes, but the Eagles found the equalizer at 87:55, tying the match with just 2:05 remaining in regulation. Neither team scored during the 2 10-minute overtime periods, sending the match to penalty kicks.

Lennart Fischer stopped two of CMU's attempts, and Jaxon Slaven capped it off with a successful strike to send MNU to the semis.

Turning Point
With the shootout tied 2-2 through 3 rounds, Logan Sinclair converted MNU's fourth attempt before Central Methodist missed its next kick. That gave Jaxon Slaven the opportunity to finish the match, and he delivered to send the Pioneers into the semifinals.

Individual Leaders
Jaxon Slaven: 1 goal, clinching penalty kick
David Stoklasek: 1 goal, successful penalty kick
Kevin De Andrade: 1 assist
Lennart Fischer: 4 saves, 2 shootout saves

Up Next
The next match is at 2-seed Grand View on Saturday in the Heart Tournament semifinals.