Etzel's Header Sends St. Norbert Into NCAA Tournament

From Asst. AD/Athletics Communications, November 9, 2019 | Men's Soccer
by Dan Lukes, dan.lukes@snc.edu, (920) 403-4077

GALESBURG, Ill. - Freshman Caden Etzel's header finish 26 seconds into double overtime sent St. Norbert College into the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time since 2016 with a thrilling 2-1 win over Knox College in the championship match of the Midwest Conference Tournament at Jorge Prats Field.

The Green Knights (16-4-2) will be making their seventh NCAA Tournament appearance after clinching the MWC's automatic berth with the win. St. Norbert will find out its tournament destination at 12:30 p.m. Monday when the field is released by the NCAA.

St. Norbert had the kickoff to open the second overtime and never lost possession. Max Censky floated a cross from the left side to the head of Etzel, who cleanly finished at 100:26 to set off a wild celebration by the Green Knights. It was Etzel's fifth goal of the season.

Following a scoreless first half, St. Norbert scored first when Ben Prange centered a cross and found Drake Vandermause, who found the cage at the 52:51 mark. It was Vandermause's sixth goal of the year. The lead would be short-lived, as Knox answered with a goal by Joey Dorgan at 55:19.

St. Norbert would hold a 23-14 advantage in shots and held an 8-2 edge in corner kicks. The Green Knights outshot Knox 13-8 in the second half and 4-2 in the overtime sessions. Knox finished with 19 fouls to the Green Knights' 17.

Josh Koleske made three saves for the Green Knights, while Joao Freire made 11 stops for the Prairie Fire.