The MNU Men's Soccer team continued their improbable run through the Heart of America Conference tournament this evening with a 1-0 victory over the #1 seed Missouri Valley Vikings. Missouri Valley came into the game boasting a 14-1-1 overall record and a #6 national ranking. MNU lost the regular season matchup by the same score and just like in the Graceland game on Monday they were able to avenge that loss with the win.
The match was an intense affair from the opening whistle. MNU scored in the 13th minute off of a rebound from a
Trent Remmich free kick.
Luke Pontin smashed the ball into the back of the net after the Valley goalkeeper had made the initial save. Valley had several chances in the last 15 minutes of the half but Chris Eriksson was up to the task for MNU, making every save that was needed. MNU went into the half with a 1-0 lead.
The second half was basically MNU stopping Valley's all-out attempts to tie the game. With the Vikings pressing forward, the Pioneers missed several very good opportunities on counter attacks to extend the lead. As it was they were able to hold on to the lead and earn their place in the conference championship game on Friday night.
On the other side of the bracket, #2 seed Baker defeated #3 seed Benedictine 3-2 in double overtime. MNU (12-7-1, 3-4) will take on Baker (17-0-1, 6-0-1) at 7:00 on Friday at Liston Stadium on the Baker campus. The winner of the game will earn the HAAC's automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament.
