LAKE FOREST, IL. – The Beloit College men's soccer team faced a tough challenge in the opening round of the 2025 Midwest Conference Tournament this afternoon, ultimately falling to Grinnell College with a final score of 2-0. Despite a spirited effort and some solid defensive play, the Buccaneers were unable to find the back of the net against a Grinnell side that capitalized on key opportunities in the second half.
The game saw a scoreless first half that showcased both teams' defensive strengths. The Buccaneers' goalkeeper, David Staats (Meridian, ID) was a standout in the opening period, making crucial saves to keep the Pioneers at bay. Staats faced seven shots in the first half, successfully stopping four of them and demonstrating strong command in goal.
The Buccaneers' offense struggled to generate significant pressure in the first 45 minutes, registering only one shot, which was off target. Their defensive line, including players like Marco Jijon (Wilmette, IL) and Colin Frank, worked hard to disrupt Grinnell's attacks, but the Pioneers' persistent pressure eventually paid off.
The second half saw Grinnell break the deadlock with two goals in quick succession. Jaxon Willoughby opened the scoring for Grinnell at 55:02, assisted by Demi Oni, and Oliver Northing followed up with Grinnell's second goal at 57:09.
Beloit attempted to mount a comeback, increasing their offensive output in the second half with four shots, but none managed to hit the target. The Buccaneers finished the game with a total of 5 shots, with 0 on target, highlighting their difficulty in converting opportunities. Grinnell, by comparison, tallied 17 shots with 6 on target.
Defensively, Beloit's backline continued to work hard, accumulating nine fouls throughout the match as they tried to contain Grinnell's attackers.
The loss marks the end of the 2025 season for the Buccaneers. A season that saw the most success for the program in over a decade. The Bucs lose five seniors but return two of their top three goal scorers and a majority of their starting eleven.
