[Men's Soccer] Central Methodist Advance to Semifinals with 2-0 Victory over UNOH

After changing fields due to weather conditions, the early game in the Round of Eight between the #1 Central Methodist University Eagles and tournament Cinderella team, the University of Northwestern Ohio Racers began in a heavy rain. After dispatching Georgia Gwinnett 7-1 in the Round of Sixteen, the Eagles would find the Racers a to be a more challenging opponent.

After playing to a stalemate in the first half, the rain began to subside. Eleven minutes into the second half, the first real scoring opportunity came when Central Methodist's Rodrigo Paredes performed a spectacular bicycle kick from a sharp angle that was saved by the Racers' Mark McMillan.

Less than a minute later, the deadlock was broken when the Eagles' Paredes played a dangerous ball into the penalty area that was inadvertently played into the net by a Racers defender for an own goal.

Not giving up, the Racers almost evened the score with 17 minutes remaining when Isaac Machado struck a blistering shot from outside the penalty area. His excellent shot was matched by an equally magnificent save by the Central Methodist keeper, Vince Gelei.

With nine minutes remaining, the Eagles scored and insurance goal when Daniel Hernandez played a perfect cross to a waiting Colin Horn to make the score 2-0 Eagles.

After the game, Central Methodist's head coach, Alex Nichols, had this to say, "Tough conditions.  Really tough conditions, but we stuck with it.  Kind of reset some things in the second half.  I think everyone did a better job.  The first half is just something that we just need to reflect on; and make sure that all of us, including myself, does a better job.  We're proud of our guys and we move on to the next one."

Central Methodist next play Friday, December 6 at 4pm against the winner of the Lindsey Wilson/Missouri Valley game later today.