Mustangs Handed First Conference Loss Against MidAmerica Nazarene

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy could not withstand sustained pressure from MidAmerica Nazarene on Saturday, conceding five goals in a Heart of America Athletic Conference defeat at Hadzic Field.

The Pioneers broke through late in the first half when Thayline Teixeira converted in the 39th minute off an assist from Meredith Veer. The score stood 1-0 at the interval despite Mount Mercy goalkeeper Manuela Gutierrez registering three saves in the opening period.

MidAmerica Nazarene extended its advantage quickly after halftime. In the 53rd minute, Maddie Lalman scored unassisted, then struck again five minutes later with service from Tindra Jarl. Lalman completed a second-half hat trick in the 61st minute, finishing a chance created by Luna Etienne. Bella Leon added a fifth goal two minutes later on another assist from Jarl.

Gutierrez finished with five saves before giving way to Emily Metaschk in the 74th minute. Metaschk played the final 16 minutes without facing a shot on goal. Mount Mercy's lone attempts came from Renata Bernal-Martinez in the 15th minute, saved by Pioneer goalkeeper Fiona Popetschnig, and a wide effort by Catarina Vaz Ghobrial in the 74th minute.

The Mustangs were limited to one corner kick and two total shots while facing 18 attempts from the Pioneers, including 10 on target. MidAmerica Nazarene also held a 9-1 margin in corner kicks.

The Mustangs will hit the road next week, traveling to Dubuque to take on Clarke on Tuesday night, with kickoff slated for 5 p.m.