LIVONIA, Mich. - The Madonna University 16th ranked men's soccer team came out with a win in penalty kicks 4-2 in the WHAC Semifinal tournament game against Aquinas College on Wednesday afternoon. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Saints came out knowing this was a win or go home situation and left it all out on the field. The Saints came out aggressive but the Crusaders were able to calmly respond but found themselves in a heated battle. The Crusaders had some good opportunities throughout the first half but were unable to capitalize and went into halftime tied at zero a piece.

The second half consisted of a lot of the same action, with great runs and opportunities by both teams. Youssou Ouendeno was able to come up with a few huge saves in the second half but things would get interesting at the 78th minute. The Crusaders would receive a red card with 12 minutes left to play and would be down a man for the remainder of the game. Despite the odds, the Crusaders defense was able to hold strong again, much like their match against UNOH, and was able to end the half with still a 0-0 tie which would send us into overtime

Overtime was a defensive battle for the Crusaders as they were still down a man, and again would find outstanding goal keeping from Ouendeno as he would come up with a couple huge saves throughout overtime to keep the Crusaders in it and to give them a chance in a shootout. The ten minute overtime periods would both pass with the teams remaining at a 0-0 match and headed to a shootout.  

The Crusaders would go into the shootout with Aquinas having the first shot out of the best of 5 shootout. Aquinas would make their first shot putting them up 1-0. Leonardo Abonizio would be first for the Crusaders and would also sink his shot, tying it at 1-1. Aquinas would miss their second shot high, giving the Crusaders a chance to take the lead. Ren Suzuki would step up and do just that giving the Crusaders a 2-1 lead. Aquinas's next shooter would also miss high, giving the Crusaders a chance to put it away. Ramon Rocha would come up next and do just that, giving the Crusaders a 3-1 cushion. The Crusaders were now just one save or one goal away from the victory. The Saints next shooter would get one just past the outstretched fingers of Ouendeno making the score 3-2 with a chance for the Crusaders to end it. Jordy Lopez would come up next and do just that, sealing the victory in a shootout for the Crusaders 4-2. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Madonna had 9 shots to Aquinas 13.

Madonna had 3 corners to the Saints 8

Ouendeno had 6 saves on the day.

UP NEXT:

Madonna will be back at home for the WHAC tournament final game against No. 22 Indiana Tech on Saturday, November 12th. Kick-off is set for 2:00 pm. 


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