ST. PAUL, MINN. – Men's soccer hosted the Pioneers of Grinnell College on a brisk Friday evening contest. The first-ever meeting between the two programs resulted in a thrilling overtime win for the Pioneers. The Eagles played hard and left it all on the field, but it was not enough to overcome the Grinnell attack.
 
The first half was a stalemate for the majority of the period, with neither team able to connect on offense. Grinnell launched an impressive 13 shots towards the Northwestern defense, which held strong until towards the end of the half. The Pioneers were able to sneak in a goal with just under five minutes remaining in the half, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
 
The tables turned in the second half, as UNW was able to reach double-digit shots. The Eagles were able to connect on one of those shots to even the score at 1-1 midway through the period. Scoring his first career goal as an Eagle was freshman Samuel Jorgenson, off of an assist from Austin Myers (Chester, Virg./Thomas Dale). Myers set up Jorgensen with a pass along the sideline, who was able to pop the ball over the goalie's head as he left the net to make a play.
 
Regulation ended with the score tied at 1-1, and the match entered overtime. Northwestern was able to get off a couple of shots, but not before Grinnell would get into the UNW zone and net the game-winning goal. Austin Gunkel (Arden Hills, Minn./Mounds View) notched five saves in net for the Eagles.
 
Northwestern opens up conference play next week, September 17 against Crown College for their next contest. For all things UNW soccer, fans can follow @unwmsoc on Twitter visit www.unweagles.com.