The soccer teams took a trip this past weekend, heading down to Galesburg, Ill. and Grinnell, Iowa. These were big games for the men’s team, as they are fighting for a berth in the postseason.
Saturday opened up with the match against Knox, and while the score ended up 1-0, the game was not as close as the score would make anyone believe. The Vikings outshot the Prairie Fire 16-9 and dominated on both sides of the ball throughout the match.
The first half was scoreless, though the Vikings took nine shots on goal. Midway through the second half, senior Nick Dufficy found sophomore Jared Padway for the game-winning goal in the 65th minute of the match. The Vikings defense continued their strong play and held on to win the game 1-0.
Sunday’s game brought another tough match, this time against Grinnell College. These two teams have had a bit of bad blood in recent matches, and both teams are fighting for a playoff berth.
As in the previous day’s match, Lawrence could not find the back of the net in the first half, and it remained scoreless to start the second. Freshman Stephen Exarhos gave the Vikings the lead as the second half started, on a free kick about 30 yards from the goal.
Unfortunately, the Pioneers fought back and scored 10 minutes later to tie the game. Within the last 10 minutes of the game, a penalty kick was called on the Vikings, and, unfortunately, that is how the game was decided. The goal gave the Pioneers a 2-1 lead, which they did not give up.
The weekend was still a productive one for the Vikings, as they now sit 4-2-0 in the conference, which is good for third place. With matches left against Monmouth, Illinois College and St. Norbert, the men look primed for a run at a spot in the postseason.
Men’s soccer goes 1-1
