DECORAH, Iowa—The Knox College Prairie Fire men's soccer team lost in heartbreaking fashion this Saturday against the Luther College Norse. They fell in overtime by a score of 1-0, eliminating them in the first round of the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament, and ending what was a very successful season for the Prairie Fire.
The first half saw both teams showing off their suffocating defenses, as evidenced by the teams having a combined four shots on goal. This led to increasing physical play by both sides, attempting to break through and create chances in the opponent's penalty area. The Prairie Fire and the Norse had a combined 12 fouls, and Rodrigo Carvalho was shown a yellow card in the 41st minute for the Prairie Fire.
In the second half, the name of the game remained the same. Neither team was able to create separation at all, and the Knox defense was able to cut off the probing attacks by Luther before they were able to begin. However, this stingy defensive mindset also applied to the Norse, as Knox was unable to direct any shots on goal, despite getting off nine shots in total. Both teams headed to overtime scoreless and physically exhausted.
Once overtime came around, it became evident that both teams would leave everything they possibly could out on the field. Each offense flung itself at the opposing defense, trying to end the game in their favor. Unfortunately, it would turn out to be a cross by the Norse that Brunno Colon slotted into the bottom left corner in the goal. This goal would prove to be the difference.
"First, congrats to Luther. They have a great side and we want to wish them good luck going forward," said head coach Brian O'Connor. "It was a heartbreaker. I thought overall the game was pretty even, but we couldn't get the goal. I can't say enough about this team. They played well today, especially the seniors. They led us to the dance and to the brink of another upset. They are a special group and will be sorely missed."
Knox's men's soccer team had a fantastic season, and every player on the team should be proud of everything they accomplished!
