Courtesy of Midland Athletics
CRETE, Neb. – No. 25-ranked Midland University traveled to Crete, Nebraska, on Wednesday to take on Doane University in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play. The Warriors earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory thanks to strong goalkeeping and a penalty kick goal just before halftime.
“Another win in a tough conference,” said Head Coach Josh Nakayama. “We knew Doane was going to be a tough game. They are well-coached and able to be dangerous.”
After a slow start in which both teams struggled to break through the opposing backlines, the Tigers began to take control, firing four shots on goal in a six-minute span. That forced reigning GPAC Defensive Player of the Week Thomas Reyes to make four key saves to preserve the scoreless tie.
The Warrior defense continued to withstand the Tiger attack, ultimately creating a counterattack of their own just before halftime in the 43rd minute. Hugo Garcia-Rosado Duran played a great ball to Adriano Pelloni, who cut inside and was taken down in the box, earning a penalty kick. Garcia calmly stepped up and converted to give Midland a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Midland began to find its rhythm late in the first half but was still outshot 8-3. Reyes’ six first-half saves helped the Warriors maintain their slim advantage at halftime.
Coming out of the locker room, Midland took control of the match, hitting the post twice and forcing the Doane goalkeeper to make another save as they looked to extend their lead.
Although the Warriors were unable to add a second goal, they dominated the second half, outshooting Doane 10-5. Reyes was called upon just once more and finished with his sixth shutout of the season to secure the 1-0 win. The victory extends Midland’s winning streak to four matches and its unbeaten streak to 10.
Nakayama praised his defense following the match, saying, “I’m proud of the team for staying mentally tough and keeping the shutout.”
Reyes finished with seven saves in 90 minutes to anchor the Warrior defense, while Garcia-Rosado Duran provided the lone goal from the penalty spot after Pelloni was fouled in the box.
Midland (10-1-2, 4-0-1 GPAC) will return home this weekend to host Dakota Wesleyan (5-6-1, 3-1-1 GPAC) for Senior Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, with senior recognition taking place prior to the match.
