Sioux City, IA – Grand View Men's Soccer returned to the pitch for a hard-fought matchup against Briar Cliff University. In a match full of drama, near misses, and late goals, the Vikings came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in thrilling fashion.
The Vikings started strong, dictating play early with several promising chances. Dylan Hunston and Lucas Newhard were heavily involved in the buildup, and Herman Furumo nearly broke the deadlock with a rocket off the post in the 11th minute. Despite Grand View's dominance in possession and multiple corner kicks, it was Briar Cliff who struck first against the run of play in the 31st minute, taking a 1-0 lead.
Coach Foster responded with a wave of substitutions to reinvigorate the squad, and the Vikings continued to press. Despite six first-half corner kicks and double-digit shot attempts, the Vikings went into halftime trailing 1-0.
The second half was a different story.
Just six minutes after the break, Justin Figaroa equalized with a composed finish following a clever assist from Pietro Piacenza. The goal sparked new energy into the side, and Grand View nearly took the lead in the 54th minute when Furumo smashed a shot off the crossbar—his second time denied by the woodwork.
The Vikings kept the pressure on, with Piacenza firing several shots wide and forcing key saves from Briar Cliff's goalkeeper, Xabier Ilundain. The barrage of attacks continued with Grand View racking up 13 shots in the second half alone.
Tensions escalated in the final minutes. In the 85th minute, Braden Schoene received a yellow followed by a red card, forcing the Vikings to play with 10 men. But just seconds later, the breakthrough came—Ignacio Gonzalez, fresh off a substitution, slotted home the game-winner to put Grand View ahead 2-1 in the 86th minute.
Despite the man disadvantage and late pressure from Briar Cliff, the Vikings held firm to close out a gutsy and emotional comeback victory.

MATCH NOTES

• Grand View had 25 shots, with Justin Figaroa and Ignacio Gonzalez scoring the two goals to put the Vikings over the Briar Cliff Chargers
• Luis Helm recorded 4 saves in goal
• Herman Furumo hit both the post and crossbar; led the team with 4 corner kicks
• Cards: 4 yellow cards (GVU), 1 red card (GVU), 2 yellow cards (Briar Cliff)

UP NEXT
Grand View will host their home opener against Morningside University this coming Tuesday, August 26th. This will be at the Cownie Soccer Complex at 4:00 PM.