BELOIT, Wis. – The Beloit College Buccaneers delivered a commanding performance on their home field, securing a decisive 2-0 victory over the Knox Prairie Fire in a men's soccer match up this afternoon. Playing at Strong Soccer Field, the Buccaneers commanded the game with a strong offensive and defensive display, improving their season record to 6-5-2 overall and a perfect 3-0-0 in conference play.
From the outset, Beloit showcased its intent, controlling possession for 54% of the match and demonstrating efficient attacking prowess. While the Prairie Fire (5-3-3, 1-2-0 MWC) managed more total shots (18 to Beloit's 13), it was the Buccaneers' clinical finishing and solid goalkeeping that made the difference.
The first half saw Beloit establish its lead with two crucial goals. The breakthrough came at 40:38 when Daniel Varela Norniella (Gijon, Spain) found the back of the net, assisted by Eduardo Larsen Reyes (Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia), marking Norniella's second goal of the season. Just before the halftime whistle, at 44:27, Eziah Hernandez (New Mexico) extended Beloit's lead, with Matteo Jijon (Wilmette, IL) providing the assist for Hernandez's eighth goal of the season.
Beloit's defense, anchored by goalkeeper David Staats (Meridian, ID), was impenetrable. Staats was a standout, recording 9 saves throughout the full 90 minutes and earning the win, his sixth of the season. The Buccaneers' defensive line, including Marco Jijon (Wilmette, IL), Cody Nowaczyk (Elkhorn, Wis.), and Melvin Salazar (Higwood, IL) effectively shut down Knox's attacking efforts, limiting them to zero goals despite 10 shots on target.
The second half continued to see Beloit maintain its disciplined play, fending off numerous Knox attempts and managing its lead effectively. While the scoring dried up in the latter half, the Buccaneers' tactical execution and robust defense ensured the clean sheet.
Key substitutions throughout the game, including tactical changes by both sides, kept the intensity high. Notable performances for Beloit came from Rafael Cervantes Jr. (Dallas, TX) and Evan Miranda (Grants Pass, Ore.), who contributed significantly to the Buccaneers' shot count.
The Buccaneers travel to Illinois College on Tuesday to face the Blue Boys. Kick off from England Stadium is set for 5:30 pm.
