DE PERE, Wisconsin — The Prairie Fire advanced to the conference title game after a solid 2-1 victory over Carroll University in round one of the Midwest Conference Tournament.

 "Coach Mobley and Carroll have been the class of this conference for a while. Ten straight MWC tournaments speaks to the coaching staff and players they bring in.  I wish them well in the CCIW," said Knox head coach Tyler Sheikh.

Knox scored early on a header from Charlie Harned (Webster Groves, MO, Clayton), assisted by Terence Lau (Shanghai, China, Shanghai American School), in the sixth minute. The Prairie Fire played exceptional defense for the rest of the half. Carroll was able to send an equalizer into the net in the 58th minute, but Knox kept pressing. Soon after the Pioneers tied the game 1-1, Lau netted the deciding goal off an assist by Harned in the 65th minute.

 "As for our guys, I couldn't be more proud of their mental acumen today," added Sheikh. "They went from defending to all-out attack to defending in the second 45 minutes."

Justin Dunn (Winnetka, IL, New Trier) had a fantastic day in the net for the Prairie Fire, recording four saves, including one on a penalty kick in the final minute to save the game.

Sheikh concluded, "Justin Dunn is an obvious choice for hero of the game, but this team knows we all play a part and will need similar fortitude tomorrow."

Knox will take on Lake Forest College for the Conference championship November 7 at noon in De Pere, Wisconsin.