The Park University men's soccer program had the road matchup lined up with Mount Mercy University on Saturday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Pirates scored first, but the Mustangs came back to defeat Park, 2-1.

Park is now No. 7 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference standings with a lot on the line come Saturday in the final regular season contest. Park is now 7-5-2 on the year with a 4-5-1 Heart record, while the Mustangs are two points behind Park at 6-6-2 and 3-5-2 in conference play.

The Pirates struck first off the foot of Francesco Esteban on the unassisted goal at the 19 minute mark.

Park had four shots in the first half compared to the Mustangs seven. As time continued to tick away in the first half, four saves were hauled in by Pirate goal keeper Felipe Ramos Peralta at the 35:22 mark, but on the fifth scoring opportunity at 32:51, the Mustangs equalized by Chris Difficile with an assist coming from Ilija Kosoric.

The rest of the half was quiet as both teams stayed at one goal apiece in the first half.

In the second half, the Pirates managed four shots, but none were on goal. Meanwhile, Mount Mercy with four shots of their own had two on goal. Three minutes into the second half at the 48 minute mark, Mount Mercy completed the comeback with a goal from Pablo Ortega Herreros, again Kosoric earned the assist.

The rest of the second half was a defensive battle, as Mount Mercy secured the 2-1 victory.

It will be Senior Day on Saturday for the Pirates with Baker University coming to Julian Field at 2:30pm. Help us celebrate our seniors directly after the women's match at approximately 2pm. WATCH
Box Score