GRINNELL, Iowa - An exciting men's soccer game held between the Grinnell Pioneers and the Knox College Prairie Fire resulted in a close 3-2 victory for Knox. The match was marked by several close chances that Knox was unable to take advantage of and a slippery pitch that affected both teams.
 
The opening minutes of the first half would set the tone of the game, with Knox's strong attack constantly pestering Grinnell's back line. This consistent pressure led to Knox's first goal of the game via a great effort by Adetayo Oluwasegun in the 13th minute. Coincidentally, this was Oluwasegun's first goal of the season, and his ability to deliver excellent passes and win 50-50 balls helped drive Knox to victory. The Prairie Fire had plenty of other opportunities to score in the first half, as evidenced by efforts by both Martin Garcia and Owen Keleher narrowly being parried by the Pioneer's keeper.
 
Unfortunately for Knox, Grinnell's offense found holes in the Prairie Fire defense that resulted in two goals to put the Pioneers ahead. A brilliant long ball by Zac Reeves in the 39th minute narrowly passed over the outstretched hands of Justin Dunn and was headed into goal by Ray Goedeker. This was followed by a deep, arcing shot by Caleb Ritter that Dunn was unable to get to in the 44th minute.
 
Almost immediately after the second half began, Knox got a lucky break, as a deflection by a Grinnell defender resulted in an own goal and brought the Prairie Fire level with the Pioneers. Knox's attack still held strong, as both Oluwasegun and Nick Janulis had shots on goal. In Janulis' case, the ball nearly squirted into the goal, only to be cleared away by a Grinnell defender. Finally, in the 63rd minute, a Jun Min header on a long pass from Keleher gave the Prairie Fire the lead, a lead that they would not relinquish.

"Grinnell games are always close," said head coach Brian O'Connor. "They scored two quick goals at the end of the first half and really put us on our heels. The second half was a different story. We responded really well and were able to get the win."
 
The Prairie Fire next host Monmouth College at Jorge Prats field on October 8.