GALESBURG, Illinois—The Knox College Prairie Fire men's soccer team came out on top against the Loras College Duhawks by a score of 1-0 on Thursday afternoon. A tense thriller down to the very end, Knox scratched and clawed to gain their lead and defended it until the final whistle.
 
The two teams started off neck and neck, feeling each other out while not exposing themselves to much risk. The defenses for both sides held their ground, only letting up a combined five shots, and overall the game was largely played in the middle third. As the first half wound down, neither side had a clear advantage and the score remained level.
 
In the second half, however, Knox's depth provided the advantage needed to win the game. The Prairie Fire offense was able to produce several breakaway chances that had their forwards sprinting down the field and narrowly missing goal with their shots. Finally, in the 54th minute, Nick Janulis sprinted towards goal with the ball, only to pass it to Owen Keleher at the last second, allowing Keleher to easily beat the keeper and put up the only goal of the game. Although there were several attempts by the Duhawks to push down the field, the one goal would remain the deciding score.
 
"It was a battle today, Loras is one of the best teams in the region and we knew it would be a monumental test," said head coach Brian O'Connor. "I think our seniors really carried us. Rocky, Jim, and Justin, set the tone for us the entire game. Ultimately, our hard work and intensity got us a goal and we were able to see the game out. We have to turn the page now and focus on getting 3 points on the road this weekend."
 
Knox College next plays away against the Lawrence University Vikings on October 20.