GALESBURG, Ill. – Wartburg men's soccer fell to Knox College 2-1 for its first loss of the 2021 campaign Saturday, Sept. 4 at Jorge Prats Field.
After a back-and-forth start to the first half, Knox got on the scoreboard first in the 14
th minute when Giuseppe Ceschia put his first goal in of the season off an assist from Joey Dorgan. That strike was the lone score of the first half.
After the goal both teams settled and played an even half. Both teams were deadlocked at two shots a piece in the first, but Knox held a slight edge in corner kicks 2-1.
In the 60
th minute the Knights drew a penalty kick that was taken and converted by
Jack Palen, which is Palen's 15th career goal and his first of the season, to even the score at one. Shortly after, Knox would respond and retake the lead with another goal in the 67
th minute. Joey Dorgan again had the assist for the Prairie Fire but this time to Jonathon Gonzalez to give them a 2-1 lead.
The Orange & Black came out aggressive in the second half, out-shooting Knox 7-6 and holding a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks, but it wouldn't be enough to put a shot past the keeper to even the score. The Knights ended the match with the advantage in shots but trailed in shots on goal 6-4.
Wartburg was paced by Palen, who recorded the team's lone goal as well as three of the teams four shots on goal, while
Bo McMahon played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded four saves for the Knights.
Next time on the pitch
Wartburg will be in action again Monday, Sept. 6 for a match at Salzwedel Field against Macalester College at 5:30 p.m.
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