Galesburg, IL – A men’s soccer player’s key role in ending a losing streak against conference opponents is being recognized by the league.

Sophomore Jacob Polay has been named the Midwest Conference Men’s Soccer Offensive Performer of the Week.  He received the honor after scoring a pair of goals in the last week that helped Knox snap a 34-match winless streak in Midwest Conference play and win a conference match for the first time in nearly four years.

Polay scored the Prairie Fire’s lone goal at the 52:37 mark in a 1-1 tie in double overtime at Lawrence University on September 16.  Knox had lost 34 consecutive Midwest Conference matches prior to the tie with the Vikings.

Polay gave the Fire a two-goal lead when he scored in the 70th minute of a 2-1 victory at home against Monmouth College on September 22.  He also assisted on his team's first goal in the match.

The Midwest Conference win against the Fighting Scots was the first league triumph for Knox men’s soccer since September 27, 2008 – also a 2-1 victory against Monmouth.

Polay has been a key offensive contributor for the Prairie Fire this season.  He’s tied for third on the team with nine points and three goals, shares the team lead with three assists, and he’s tied for second on the squad with one game-winning goal.

Polay and the Prairie Fire (4-3-1) go for a third straight win on September 26 at home against Eureka College.  The match against the Red Devils at Jorge Prats Field begins at 2:00 p.m.

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