Photo by Bellevue SID Staff
Omaha, Neb. – The McPherson College men's soccer team ended their season on Thursday afternoon, with a 2-0 loss to Mid America Nazarene University, in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament.
Just six months ago, the Bulldogs were playing in this same game, the NAIA Opening Round, against the Bellevue University Bruins. The result was exactly the same with the Bulldogs falling 2-0. In last season's game the Bulldogs were even with the Bruins until the second half when they gave up two goal in the final 45 minutes. This year against the Pioneer, the Bulldogs conceded a goal in each half of play.
The Bulldogs were stronger on the ball than the Pioneers, and for the most part, controlled the possession of the ball throughout the game. MNU however made the most of their opportunities and the Bulldogs did not.
The Pioneer's first goal came in the 34th minute off of a free kick, and their second came in the 80th minute on a counter attack after a potential Bulldog goal was cleared off the line by a Pioneer defender.
While the Pioneers had more total shots (16 to 10) in the game, the Bulldogs actually held the advantage of shots on frame (5 to 4). They were just unable to finish the chances they created.
Colby Swift was in goal again for the Bulldogs. He finished the game with a pair of saves in the loss.
"What a good game of football today," commented Coach Quint. "Unfortunately, they finished their chances and we didn't. That's it at the end of the day." He went on to add, "I am so proud of this group of young men. Life certainly challenged us this year and I couldn't be prouder of how they stood tall to face everything and press on. This group will always hold a special place in my heart, especially the seniors as they move on to the next chapter in their lives."
The Bulldogs finish the season with a 12-8 record. They will have some holes to fill next season, but will have a good core of guys returning in 2022. Â
