GALESBURG, Ill. — Knox College junior Carlos Rebello da Silva scored on a header off a beautifully lofted free kick from 40 yards out by sophomore Joao Gaspar, tying visiting North Central College at two apiece with little more than 11 minutes to play. The Prairie Fire then held on to earn the 2-2 tie against the 2024 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin champions in the season opener for both teams, overcoming the Cardinals' relentless offensive pressure that gave them a 21-6 advantage in shots (7-3 on goal).

Playing its first game under head coach Tyler Sheikh since his first tenure from 2015-17, Knox battled to keep the ball out of its own end for most of the first half. But despite being outshot, 9-1, over the first 45 minutes, the Prairie Fire made the most out of their one opportunity with sophomore Ethan Thomas charging into the box to put away a pass from senior Sasha Esper off a free kick by senior Arito Nakamichi.

The Cardinals regrouped at the half, however, and continued to play the aggressor with more to show for it. Morgan Kurseth tied the game in the 50th minute, and 12 minutes later, Griffin French gave NCC a 2-1 lead. But sophomore keeper Diogo Pereira dug in and turned away five other shots in the second half to give his teammates an opportunity to draw even, and they did not disappoint.

"It was no surprise that North Central would be athletic and effective at spreading the field," Sheikh said following the spirited contest. "They looked like defending CCIW champs and will be on the hunt again this year. It was truly a fun tussle with a regional power who's been a perennial NCAA Tournament team. I'm really proud of our guys for riding the waves of defending a lead and chasing the game. If we push on from this, I know we can make our fans proud with similar efforts."

• Esper had a opportunity to win the game in the final 15 seconds, but his one-on-one shot from the right side of the box sailed high of the goal.
• Thomas scored the first goal of his career in just his second career game, while Rebello da Silva tallied his second career goal.
• The last time Knox played to a draw in its season opener was in 2018, the first game after Sheikh departed as head coach; it was the only tie of a 16-5-1 campaign.
• Last year, North Central handed the Prairie Fire a 6-0 defeat in Naperville.

Knox will continue its four-game season-opening home stand next Saturday, Sept. 6 when Illinois Wesleyan invades Jorge Prats Field. The contest will begin at 4 p.m.