WAVERLY, Iowa - Wartburg men's soccer will make its long awaited return on Saturday, March 27 when it begins its 2021 spring season against Buena Vista University at 3 p.m. in Storm Lake, Iowa at J. Leslie Rollins Stadium. The contest will mark the first competitive match for the Knights in the past 510 days. 

Saturday, March 27 - 3:00 p.m. - Storm, Iowa - J. Leslie Rollins Stadium 
Wartburg Knights (0-0, 0-0 A-R-C) vs. Buena Vista University (0-0, 0-0 A-R-C)

Attendance Policy
The general public will be allowed at the event with no limit on the number of fans. A mask must be worn at all times by those in attendance with social distancing guidelines being followed. Fans will be encouraged to bring their own chairs to all events as there will be limited seating available in the bleachers. Click here for more information. 

Season Outlook
During the 2019 season, the Knights finished with an 8-8-2 overall record and a 4-4-0 tally in American Rivers Conference action. The Orange & Black saw their campaign come to a close in the first round of the A-R-C tournament when they fell to Simpson College 1-0. 

This year's roster is comprised of 13 freshmen, 12 sophomores, 13 juniors and just two seniors. The Knights will feature six returning starters this season. Some key returners for Wartburg includes junior forward/midfielder Kevin Duque, senior forward Jack Palen and senior defender Sam Thomann.

Last season, the Knights averaged 1.3 goals per game on 10.5 shots, including a shot on goal percentage of 49.2%. Duque led the program in goals with five and in points with 13 while earning a spot on the All-Conference Honorable Mention team. Palen and Thomann will make their returns this season after being sidelined with injuries during the 2019 campaign. Sophomore goalkeeper Brennon Woody will be the main face in net for the Knights this year as he tallied 60 saves during his freshman season with a save percentage of 80% and a goals against average of .89. 

"We're incredibly excited to have an American Rivers Conference season this spring," head coach Mike Madigan said. "It's a great opportunity after the hard work and resilience our guys have displayed this past year."

KNIGHTS PLACE SIXTH IN A-R-C- PRESEASON POLL
The American Rivers Conference released the 2021 Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll on Thursday, March 25, with Wartburg totaling 36 points to finish sixth in the league standings, as voted on by the A-R-C coaches. 

Luther College was selected to finish first, totaling 61 points with six first place votes.