FAYETTE, Mo. - No. 3 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) escaped Davis Field with a 3-2 win over Central Methodist on Saturday in the Heart of America Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

MidAmerica Nazarene (8-1-1, 1-0) got on the board first in the 16th minute with a goal from Niklas Larsson.

The remainder of the game turned into a match that lacked any rhythm but had plenty of intensity, with 31 fouls called between the two squads.

Jelani Jillo extended the Pioneers lead in the 52nd minute with a converted penalty kick. However, just one minute later, Daniel Arrazola converted a penalty kick for Central Methodist (6-4, 0-1) to cut the deficit to 2-1. Four minutes later, the game was tied 2-2 as Luis Costa played a long ball to Jesus Morales, who beat the Pioneers' back line and goalkeeper Yann Passet with a chip from 30 yards out and into the back of the net.

However, in the 60th minute, Aurelien Norest finished off a rebound from another set piece for the game winner.�

Passet (8-1-1) had two saves in 90 minutes

Eagles' goalkeeper Carlos Ribera (5-3) was credited with three saves in 90 minutes.

Central Methodist travels to Lindenwood-Belleville (Ill.) on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT.