Upset Bid Falls Short for MVNU in Crossroads League Quarterfinals at Bethel

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's soccer team competed in the quarterfinals of the Crossroads League tournament in Mishawaka, Indiana, and took on Bethel University (14-2-2, 8-1-1 CL) on Wednesday, November 4.  

In the tournament, MVNU was seeded eighth, while Bethel held the top spot in the bracket after winning the confernece in the regular season. Sophomore Brayden Pierson recorded an impressive eleven saves, keeping MVNU in the match against the Pilots' high-powered offense. The first half remained scoreless, and the tie continued into the second half. At the end of the 90 minutes the score was evened up at 0-0 and would remain after the two overtime periods. 

Ultimately, the game was decided by a tiebreaker shootout. MVNU scored three goals in the shootout, but Bethel edged them out with four, securing the victory and advancing in the tournament. 

The loss would conclude the season for the Cougars as they finished with a final record of 7-7-5, 2-6-3 CL.  

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.