GALESBURG, Ill. – Cornell's historic run at an elusive NCAA berth fell one win short in a 2-0 setback to top-seeded Knox in Saturday's championship match of the Midwest Conference Men's Soccer Tournament at Jorge Prats Field.  
 
Coach Nate Grosse's second-seeded Rams finished a terrific campaign at 15-4, setting a new school record for most wins. Two of the team's losses were against Knox (12-6), which earned the MWC's automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Tournament Nov. 13-14.
 
Saturday marked Cornell's first appearance in a conference title match since 1982, when the Rams beat Carleton for their last league crown in men's soccer. Cornell advanced to this year's championship with a 3-1 semifinal win Friday over Grinnell.
 
The young Rams set a strong foundation for next season and beyond with a starting lineup Saturday that featured five freshmen, one sophomore, four juniors and senior all-conference defender Justin Howe.   
 
Cornell, which tied Knox for first place in the MWC regular-season race at 7-1, faced an uphill battle for the majority of Saturday's rematch. The Prairie Fire scored twice in the opening 19 minutes, proving to be the final margin.
 
The Rams had offensive opportunities with a 14-11 advantage in total shots, seven of them on goal. Andrew Lopez led Cornell with four attempts, while Blake Soto had three shots on goal.
 
Knox attempted six corner kicks, to Cornell's four.   
 
Cornell was shut out for only the second time all season, ending a 12-match streak of scoring at least one goal.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Will Bickel recorded five saves in a full 90 minutes of action for the Rams. Knox cracked through with the initial goal at the 16-minute mark. The Prairie Fire tacked on a second three minutes later.