The Baker University men’s soccer team defeated Graceland 2-1 in the HAAC Conference Tournament quarterfinals on Saturday Nov. 8, in Lamoni, Iowa. This win sends the ‘Cats to face their rival in Olathe, the Mid-America Nazarene Pioneers, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday for semifinals.

Third-seeded Graceland was able to score within the first 15 minutes of the game and went into halftime up 1-0 against sixth-seeded Baker.

The second half however was a different story.

Junior midfielder Robert Hoeven tied the score in the 51st minute. Then, in the 69th minute, senior forward Preston Phillips scored the go-ahead goal that would win the game for the Wildcats.

Although it is being reported as an upset for Graceland, sophomore midfield Keaton Anchors feels that term does not do his team justice.

“I don’t really consider it an upset,” Anchors said. “We’ve beaten teams that were a lot better than them. We’ve just found our stride now.”

Although the Wildcats posted a 6-8-3 season record, they have plenty of confidence coming into the postseason in the HAAC tournament.

“Our talent definitely exceeds what our record told,” Anchors said. “We’re very capable of beating anyone. We just have to go out and do it.”

The Wildcats will play their next game in a hostile environment in Olathe, going against the Pioneers of MNU.

“It’s definitely a big game,” Anchors said. “We know it’ll be very tough, but we can do it.”

During the regular season, Baker and MNU played to a 1-1 draw.