GALESBURG, Illinois – The Ripon men's soccer program wrapped up its 2023 campaign on Saturday with points as the Red Hawks tied Knox 1-1 at Jorge Prats Field.
Goals bookended the season finale, as Ripon (6-4-7, 1-3-4 MWC) looked to play spoiler while Knox (6-6-5, 2-2-4 MWC) was aiming to clinch a berth in the Midwest Conference Tournament with a win and a Beloit loss. The afternoon started strong for the Prairie Fire, as Arito Nakamichi scored on a feed from Tamar Thomas just seven minutes into the match.
The teams went into the locker room with Knox holding a slim 1-0 lead. Knox had 17 shots in the first half to Ripon's 6.
The second half was commanded by Knox offensively once again, totaling 12 shots to Ripon's 2. Overall, the Prairie Fire out-shot Ripon 29-8 on the afternoon, including 11-3 in shots on goal.
However, in the 83rd minute, Ripon ended the season in style as
Trent Kazlauskas found the back of the net for the second time this season, ending Knox's postseason chances.
Andre Robertson led Ripon with 3 shots on the afternoon, while
Finley Manning chipped in 2. In addition to Kazlauskas' goal,
Tim Geocaris and
Matthew Klopp each attempted a shot.
Sam Jahnke played all 90 minutes in goal and stopped 10 shots.
There were two yellow cards and a red card issued on Saturday, though just seven total fouls were called – six on Ripon.
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