ST. LOUIS- What the Spartans have been working towards all season has finally arrived. The AMC tournament had officially begun. The Spartans faced off against Harris-Stowe in a match that would mark the end of one team's season. With the Spartans named the number three seed and HSSU number six, the match was in MBU's favor.
 
The Spartans defense came out aggressive, shutting down the Hornets almost immediately and the Spartans were soon on the attack. Almost every attempt HSSU made to bring the ball up the field the Spartans put a stop too and regained possession. MBU was determined to win this one, taking the lead nine minutes into the game. Senior Jack Carney received the ball on a throw in by Emilio Hernandez. The Bradford, England native then made his way to the center of the field where he let the ball fly from about ten yards outside of the Hornets penalty box and straight into the back of the net.

The Spartans continued their dominance, controlling the ball for the majority of the half, only allowing two shots by the Hornets. They put the HSSU goalie to work, forcing four saves out of him. MBU was able to widen the gap as they added a point late into the half. Lucas Encino drew a foul just outside the Hornets penalty box, giving the Spartans the free kick. Graduate student Jack Griffiths stepped up to take the kick, sending it over the wall and on goal but the goalie was able to swat it away. Marko Dordevic was there and ready for any potential rebound. With a tap of his foot the sophomore sent it into the opposite corner of the net, scoring the goal.
 
The second half mirrored the first, with the Spartans setting the tone. Tension was definitely higher with the Hornets trying to catch up while MBU was defending their lead. The Spartans were able to handle it business as usual and further solidify their position. Halfway through the second half, MBU put up another point, this time by Emilio Hernandez. This was Hernandez's first goal of the season and what a goal it was. The junior was bringing the ball up the sideline where he passed it up to Dordevic. Hernandez didn't stop there, he kept making his way up the middle of the field and made a sliding play on the pass from Dordevic. The Jerseyville, Illinois native was able to knock the ball past the goalkeeper's hands and into the goal.

This wasn't the only first that happened during the game. Seosamh Sheerin sent one in himself, scoring his first goal. The Cavan, Ireland product fought his way through two defenders and easily delt with a slide tackle attempt from a hornet. With open space in front of him, Sheerin launched the ball into the top corner of the net, not giving the goalie any time to react. Hernandez and Sheerin may not be top goal scorers but when they did score it was quite the show.

The Spartans were able to clench their spot in the semifinals with their 4-0 victory over the Hornets. They will be taking on Columbia College on Tuesday (Nov 7), looking to flip the script as they lost to the Cougars in last year's semifinals.