WINONA LAKE, Ind. - An 82nd-minute goal from Luis Munoz propelled Grace's men's soccer team past Marian in the Crossroads League Tournament quarterfinals on Tuesday evening.
The No. 20 Lancers (12-4-3) shot 15 times, but Munoz's goal was the only separator in Grace's 1-0 victory at 1st Source Bank Field.
The win advances the Lancers to the semifinals of the tournament where Grace will play at second-seed Indiana Wesleyan on Friday night.
The opening half was fairly even in terms of chances. Grace had more possession than Marian, but the teams shared dangerous moments throughout the half.
Maxime Bregeon had a pair of early shots that went high of the goalframe.
Munoz entered the game off the bench and provided an immediate offensive spark. The first-year Lancer ripped off four shots, including a pair that forced saves by Marian's goalkeeper.
The Knights had a few shots in the box of their own. Grace's goalkeeper Ben Kenn only needed to make one save, however.
Sebastian Lozano also used a well-timed defensive block to prevent a threatening attempt by Marian.
The teams entered halftime in a scoreless draw. Grace had a 9-6 shot advantage in the opening half and had three shots on goal. Only one of Marian's shots were on target.
Marian's first attempt seven minutes into the second half was a good chance, but the attempt from the Knights harmlessly bounced off the crossbar.
Munoz again was the offensive marksman for Grace in the second half. He fired off two shots in two minutes and had another attempt go high with 19 minutes left in the half.
As the clock grew closer to expiring, the physicality on the pitch rose. The final 25 minutes saw four yellow cards issued, including two on each team.
The winning moment came with less than 10 minutes to play. After a patient build-up of attack, Grace possessed the ball just outside the penalty box.
Juan Garcia and Munoz connected on a clever give-and-go, carving out space in the penalty box for Munoz's shot. Munoz tucked his shot inside the left goalpost for the game-winning moment.
The Knights were largely muted in an attempt to find a late equalizer. Marian tried just one shot with 78 seconds remaining, which Kenn saved.
Grace finished the game with a 15-10 shot advantage. Marian had a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.
Munoz fired off nine shots, nearly equaling Marian's total by himself.
Kenn recorded the shutout, making four saves along the way.