The Carroll University men’s soccer team won the Midwest Conference against the Buccaneers of Beloit College 3-1 Wednesday night. The Pioneers are a perfect 7-0 in conference with their biggest rival looming for game number 8 in St. Norbert College. With this win, Carroll now has 29 wins and 1 loss in the past three seasons of conference play.

Carroll started the match off hot with a couple of chances finally finishing when Doug Johnson beat his man to the end line, crossing the ball across the face of the goal. Andy Ksobiech was on the receiving end with Beloit keeper Nathan Lipps hustling back to the center of the net where he blocked Ksobiech’s shot towards the middle of the six yard area. Out of virtually no where, Andy Prentice came through shooting the ball past Lipps for the game’s first goal.

The half continued to go back and forth; Beloit’s chances were less frequent but every bit as dangerous. Attacking down the left side, Beloit got the ball behind Carroll’s backline to an on-running forward, the play drew keeper Stanislaw Miaskowski off his line to defend the shot. Instead of shooting the ball was played across to freshmen Jackson Wilkins where he tried to collect himself for a shot but was unable to get it off before Miaskowski could pounce on it.

In the 32nd minute, Junior Scott Pease found Prentice for another goal on a serve from 40 yards out. Both of these players won Midwest Conference Player of the week just a few days ago and may be lining up for another award this week. In truth, all of Carroll’s defenders had great performances. Between Danny Pender, Adam Bruk, Justin Ziegler and the aforementioned Pease, they put on a great display in only allowing four shots to a very strong Beloit offense.

Going into half with a 2-0 lead seemed safe until you realize who you are playing. Anyone in the Buccaneers’ attack is capable of scoring at any time. Jackson and Bo Wilkins are two of the best attacking players in the MWC, coupled with Freshmen Marc Robinson as another scorer, Beloit could not be taken lightly.

Opening the second half Carroll put Beloit under constant pressure with shots and crosses a plenty. It wasn’t until Beloit got a quick clear, gathering a smooth counter attack that took them the length of the field catching the Pioneer’s backline off guard. From the left side, near the end line, Bo Wilkins drew Miaskowski off of his line, where he then crossed it for a near empty netter for Robinson. The play illustrates just how quickly Beloit can climb back into games, immediately changing the complexion of the match.

Despite the goal, Carroll collected themselves nicely forming a few more attacks, finishing one in the 81st minute when Pease rifled another ball across the mouth of the goal. Lipps got a hand on the ball but the deflection rolled slowly in front of his net where Craig Carlson drove it home from nearly three yards off the goal line.

Beloit sinks to 1-2-2, with matches against Knox, Lake Forest, Monmouth and Illinois College remaining.