OLATHE, Kan. — The William Woods University men's soccer team (7-6-3, 4-5-3 Heart) pulled off one of the season's biggest upsets Tuesday afternoon, storming back from a goal down to defeat No. 2-ranked MidAmerica Nazarene (10-2-4, 7-2-3 Heart) 2–1 at Pioneer Field.
The Owls showed defense held off a relentless MNU attack that outshot them 27–11. Keeper Matt Dworak was exceptional in net, recording nine saves, including five in the opening 45 minutes of play.
MidAmerica Nazarene was first on the scoreboard in the 21st minute when Jeremie Pelade netted the opener on an assist by Jaxon Slaven and Gil Brown. The hosts continued to push forward with multiple corner kicks and long-range efforts, but Dworak and the Owls back line kept the Owls within striking distance.
The Woods found their footing in the second half and began to tilt momentum their way. In the 54th minute, Francesco Dibra capitalized off a set-piece, slotting home a low finish after a feed from Grant Barron and Charlie Williams to even the match at one.
From there, the Owls' defense absorbed wave after wave of MNU pressure, with Dworak turning aside shots from Pelade and Antonio Mugica to keep the game deadlocked. The breakthrough came in the 80th minute, when Miles Andrews — who tallied a team-high seven shots — put away the go-ahead strike.
Andrews' fourth goal of the season proved to be the match-winner, as the Owls held firm through the final ten minutes and six late Pioneer corners. The victory marked the first time this season William Woods has defeated a top-five nationally ranked opponent.
Alongside Dworak's nine-save effort, the Owls were anchored defensively by Rodrigo Franco, Josh Seyer, and Kyle Kaemmerer, who each logged the full 90 minutes. Luis Pinto also provided stability in midfield, helping the Woods connect passes and relieve pressure late.
The win gives the Owls back-to-back-to-back conference wins heading into their final regular-season contest.
William Woods returns home to Fulton on Saturday for Senior Day, hosting Benedictine College at 5:30 p.m. to close out Heart of America regular-season play.
