Fayette, Mo. - The No. 1 seeded Central Methodist Men's Soccer program survived an upset bid by No. 8 Mount Mercy University in the Heart Tournament Quarterfinals Saturday afternoon at Davis Field. 

The Eagles scored a pair of goals in double overtime to secure a 3-1 victory over the Mustangs. 

Central advances to the Heart Tournament Semifinals for the sixth consecutive season, improving their overall record to 13-0-5. Mount Mercy sees their season come to an end with a final mark of 7-8-3. 

Today's victory also marked career win No. 150 for 2022 Heart Coach of the Year Alex Nichols. Coach Nichols has led Central to five-straight national tournaments dating back to the 2018 season. He has also secured a pair of national championships in 2018 and 2019, and has led CMU to five seasons of 20-plus wins.

It was a defensive stalemate in the first half of play, as Central fired off only four shots and Mount Mercy two in the first 45. 

Mount Mercy jumped out in front in the 76th minute on a goal from Yu Sasaki on an unassisted free-kick. The Eagles quickly responded when Stefano Campisi scored a header on a cross from Isaac Johnson to tie the match at 1-1.

The match entered overtime, with neither side able to crack the scoreboard in the first period. Less than three minutes into the second OT, a free ball found the back of the net off the foot of Guilherme Pereira to give Central a 2-1 lead.

Central sealed the victory in the 109th minute, as Liam Arthur landed the Eagles the third and final goal of the match on a breakaway counter attack. He was assisted by Sebastian Bocaz Canales. 

CMU finished the afternoon with 22 total shots, including four on goal compared to just four shots and one on goal for the Mustangs. Cian Halpin led the offense with five total shots. 

The Eagles will host No. 4 seeded Grand View in the Heart Semifinals Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 5:00 p.m. at Davis Field. 

#TakeFlight