Des Moines, Iowa – The Central Methodist University men's soccer team; whom are currently receiving votes in the latest NAIA Men's Soccer Coaches' Top 25 Poll, defeated the 15th ranked Grand View University Vikings by a final score of 2-1 in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday afternoon.
With the victory, (RV) Central Methodist improves to 10-3-1 overall, and 6-2 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the loss, the 15th ranked Vikings fall to 9-4-1 overall and 5-2-1 in The Heart.
Saturday's contest between the Eagles and Vikings was all about the first half. Both teams took a while to settle into a rhythm. In the 19th minute, the CMU offense broke through on a corner kick. Kassio Atila (JR/Sao Paulo, Brazil) sent one into the box, finding Ricardo Olaya (JR/Bogota, Colombia) for the header. The goal gave the Eagles the early 1-0 lead.
Later in the first half, Central was able to capitalize on a Grand View mistake. Vikings' keeper AJ Thompson misplayed a ball, and Jackson Darnell (SO/Perth, Western Australia, Aust) got to the ball and fired a shot on the open net, to give CMU a 2-0 advantage.
Less than three minutes later, the roles were reversed. A foul was called against CMU, and Grand View was awarded a penalty kick. Sam Blackman's shot got past Eagles goalie Cameron Metcalfe (SO/Durham, England) to put the Vikings on the board.
The goal by Grand View would turn out to be the final goal of the match. Central held off the Vikings' attacks in the second half to claim the 2-1 victory.
"The guys had to fight hard tonight," said CMU head men's soccer coach Alex Nichols. "It's a big field and a good team. That always means you have to fight, and fight hard; and the guys did that. It was a great win, but now we have to prepare for our next opponent.
The Eagles return home to Fayette this Wednesday, to host Evangel University beginning at 5pm. The women's match will follow, with a scheduled start time of 7:30pm.
For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.
