Mustangs Stun Second-Ranked MidAmerica Nazarene At Home

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy secured a statement result Saturday afternoon, outlasting No. 2 MidAmerica Nazarene 4-3 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play at Hadzic Field. The Mustangs (7-2-1, 4-1-0) used timely finishing and defensive resilience to hand the Pioneers (6-1-2, 3-1-1) their first loss of the season.

MidAmerica Nazarene opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Antonio Mugica converted from close range off a service from Gil Brown. Mount Mercy responded with two goals in quick succession before halftime. Pablo Ortega Herreros delivered his national-leading 13th goal, leveling the match in the 35th minute after a through ball from Inaki Abaroa, who followed with a goal of his own just over a minute later to give the Mustangs a 2-1 advantage.

The Pioneers equalized midway through the second half. Mugica completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, and less than six minutes later Jaxon Slaven put the visitors ahead 3-2 with a finish set up by Mugica.

Mount Mercy answered immediately. Chris Difficile netted an unassisted goal in the 76th minute to tie the match at 3-3. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when pressure from the Mustangs forced an own goal, restoring the home side's lead.

Goalkeeper Zach Biggs anchored the Mount Mercy back line with five saves, including key stops against Mugica and Thomas Giraudo in the second half. The Mustangs held off a late push following a red card to Pioneer defender Josh Hodgson in the 87th minute.

The Mustangs will return to the pitch after marking their fourth straight win, taking on Clarke on Wednesday in Dubuque, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.