MOUNT VERNON – It was well worth the extra 11-day wait for Cornell's men's soccer team to complete a pivotal 1-0 victory over Midwest Conference rival Knox Sunday.
 
The Rams clinched a postseason berth, took over first place in the MWC and claimed their first series win over the Prairie Fire since 2004, covering a 16-match span.
 
Aidan Lerch's assisted goal from Fox Wight in the 10th minute of the Oct. 11 suspended match held up as the game-winner. The teams played out the final 23 scoreless minutes on Sunday.   
 
Cornell (6-6-4 overall, 4-1-1 MWC) is guaranteed a spot in the four-team MWC Tournament Nov. 3-4. Now the Rams will battle for positioning in a tight league race heading into the final week of the regular season.
 
The Rams have 13 points with showdowns ahead against contenders Illinois College (11 points) Wednesday and Lake Forest (12 points) Saturday. Beloit is also in the hunt with 11 points.  
 
Sunday's match resumed with Knox (6-5-3 overall, 2-2-3 MWC) down one field player. Cornell's defense held strong for its fifth shutout of the season.
 
Goalkeeper Floris Huiskers was credited with his 11th complete game of the season and finished with four saves.
 
Lerch's decisive goal was his team-high eighth of the season. The Rams fired 19 shots in the match, five coming from George Archer. Wight had four attempts, all on goal.  
 
Coming up – Cornell hits the road Wednesday for a key 7 p.m. match with Illinois College (8-4-3 overall, 3-1-2 MWC) in Jacksonville, Ill.