WAVERLY, Iowa - On a late summer, sunny afternoon, the Wartburg College Knights Men's Soccer opened the 2021 season with a win against Gustavus Adolphus College on Wednesday, Sept. 1. The final score was 2-1 and the match was sealed by a go-ahead goal in the 80th minute from junior Payton Chapman. 

The Knights struck first in this match with a goal coming from Caleb Halleran in the 26th minute, which was set up by a Kevin Duque assist. Halleran set the Knights up with a 1-0 halftime lead as the teams were deadlocked in shots as well as corner kicks.

Gustavus responded in the second half when Cole Schwartz beat the keeper in the 76th minute for the equalizer off of an assist from Nolan Garvin. Chapman smashed a free kick past the goalkeeper for the go-ahead goal set up by a Gustavus foul, sealing the victory of the Orange & Black.

Despite being out-shot four to three and trailing in corner kicks three to zero in the closing minutes, the Knights were able to outlast the Gusties in the second half to hold on to the 2-1 victory. 

Jack Palen paced the team with three shots and in goal Bo McMahon had five saves for the Knights .

Next Time in Action

The Orange & Black will continue through their 2021 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 4 when they travel to Galesburg, Ill. to take on Knox College at 2 p.m.