HANNIBAL, Mo. –- The Northwestern College men's soccer team opened the 2021 campaign on a winning note this afternoon against Hannibal-LaGrange, downing the Trojans 2-1 in the season opener.
 
The Raiders got off to a fast start early in the match and took the momentum early when Juan Mackrey (Sr., Balcare, Argentine/Georgia Military College) found the back of the net in 12^th minute. Luc Roelofs (So., Nederasselt, Netherlands/Kandinsky College) picked up the assist on the first Raider goal of the season.
 
In the 28^th minute, Niklas Fitter (Fr., Sankt Augustin, Germany/Rhein Sieg Gymnasium) connected with Ryan Wager (Sr., Huron, S.D./James Valley Christian) to extend the Raider lead to 2-0 heading into the halftime break. At the break, both teams had an even five shots, but it was Northwestern who had all the momentum converting on two of those five shots.
 
The second half saw more action on both sides, but it was the Trojans' that would end the shutout for the Raiders. Benjamin Contreras would find the back of the net in the 55^th minute to cut the Northwestern lead in half. Though out shot in the second half, that would be the only goal the Raiders would surrender.
 
Hannibal-LaGrange out shot Northwestern (16-12), but the Raiders had the most opportunities with seven shots on goal to the Trojans' five. Ezekiel Foltz (Jr., Sioux Center, Iowa/Iowa Central Community College) picks up the win in the net, tallying four saves and only allowing only one goal in the season opening victory.
 
Up Next: The Raiders will take to the pitch again tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, August 28 when they travel down to St. Louis to face off with (RV) Missouri Baptist. Kickoff is set for noon.