The storied run to a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national championship came to an end December 4 in Delray Beach, Florida, for the MidAmerica Nazarene University men's soccer team.

MNU lost 1-0 in overtime to the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) in the Pioneers’ first-ever appearance in the title game. MNU, in just the 14th year of the soccer team’s existence, was the first team from Kansas to play in the championship game in the NAIA’s 57-year history.

The URG Red Storm scored the game-deciding goal on a 40-yard free kick in the first half of extra time. The golden goal gave URG its second title in school history.

A strong wind influenced the entire match and MNU took advantage in the first half by controlling possession and outshooting Rio Grande, 7-2.

In the second half, URG took advantage of the wind and outshot MNU, 7-3.

As the game wore on, set pieces became the best opportunities for either team to score.

URG won the coin toss after regulation and chose to take the wind for the first 10-minute overtime period. This proved to be crucial as the winning free kick by Jeremy de Hoog was aided by the wind.

For the game, MNU and URG tied in shots at 10 each. Shots on goal were 5-4 in URG's favor.

de Hoog was named the championship’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player, while MNU won the Nels Dahlquist Memorial Team Sportsmanship Award.

The Pioneers finished the season with school-record 18 wins. They lost just six games and had one draw.

"This loss really hurts," MNU Coach Kevin Wardlaw said. "It will hurt for some time, but my hope is that as time passes we will all find the space to truly appreciate what a special season this was. This group of men are top class in every way. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to coach them. They will always hold a very special place in my heart for what they gave to the team and how they represented MNU.”

--Information courtesy of MidAmerica Nazarene University Athletics