Warriors Earn Hard-Fought Draw with No. 9 Missouri Valley

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University was back in action again on Saturday for its second home game of the season against No. 9-ranked Missouri Valley College. The Warriors, who employed a defensive-minded formation, earned a hard-fought scoreless draw as they stifled the Vikings' attack.

The new three-centerback formation for Midland held Missouri Valley's attack at bay during the first half. Using a long pass approach, the Warriors' attack had the better of the chances in the opening frame. Midland had the lion's share of shots before the break as it was able to get off nine shots with three on target while Missouri Valley had five shots, including three on target.

In the second half, the Vikings grew into the game as they would get the first seven shots, with three of those shots calling Hugo Sjoeberg into action as he made three saves.

Missouri Valley outshot Midland 15 to 6 in the second half but the Warriors never stopped fighting as their defenders were able to block four shots with Sjoeberg saving another five to keep the game scoreless.

Midland ended the game with a flurry of possession as they tried to find the game-winner. Three of the last four shots but were unable to find the back of the net as the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

"It was an even game and we had more of the quality chances. A bit more composure and we could have won the game," said head coach Josh Nakayama.

Hugo Sjoeberg finished the game with eight saves as Hugo Garcia-Rosado Duran led the team in shots with four.

"We played with passion and discipline. For me, this was our best performance of the season so far," Nakayama added. "We need to still continue to prove ourselves and stay hungry."

Midland (2-2-2) will be back on the pitch next Wednesday for a neutral-site game in Overland Park, Kansas. They'll take on against No. 4-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan (1-1-0) at 1:00 p.m. on September 11.