CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA—Following a defeat to CMU at the weekend, Men's Soccer had an opportunity to bounce back as they traveled to Cedar Rapids to take on rivals Mount Mercy. Both teams had opportunities to win the game, but the final score finished honors even at 1-1.
With the Heart of America Conference being stacked with talented teams once again this year, the Vikings knew that no game would be easy this season, especially when on the road. Grand View started the match on the front foot, showing their physical prowess in forward areas, which was too much for the Mustang's defense to handle. Playing more direct, chances fell to
Pietro Piacenza at the edge of the box as he forced the keeper into a save, followed by
Kai McPeak, who the Mustangs' keeper also denied. As the first half developed, the Mustangs gathered momentum, which resulted in a goal in the 34
th minute following a long ball over the top of the Vikings' defense. The first half would end 1-0 for the Mustangs.
Entering the 2
nd half, the Vikings were fueled by optimism and positivity to still be in this contest. This period lacked rhythm and momentum due to the number of fouls and yellow cards brandished. Both keepers were called into action on several occasions, but in the 60
th minute, the Mustangs' keeper could not stop
Pietro Piacenza from equalizing and grabbing his 3
rd goal of the season. The remainder of the 2
nd half was a feisty affair, with a total of 13 fouls and 7 yellow cards being given. With the clock ticking down, Scott Pengelly kept the game level after a stunning save to claw the ball off the line and wide of the post. At the other end, Grand View also had chances to win the game, but it would end 1-1.
SCORING SUMMARY
33:25 – MOUNT MERCY – Danilo Obradovic
59:21 – GRAND VIEW –
Pietro Piacenza
MATCH NOTES
- 9 yellow cards were totaled in the game.
- This was the 3rd tie in match-up history against the Mustangs.
- Pietro Piacenza is now joint-top goal scorer, with 3 goals for the season.
UP NEXT
Men's Soccer returns home to Cownie Soccer Complex this weekend to battle with Park University. This game kicks off at 6:30 PM in Des Moines, Iowa.
