The New Ulm Eagles came to town to battle the Southwest Minnesota Christian Eagles on the pitch at SWC. NU had defeated SWC in last year’s opener, and the black clad Eagles hoped to defend their home turf. As was detailed in the preview, SWC is looking not for one or two players to replace graduated seniors, but rather Coach Busker is looking for numerous players to step up and give a good effort. They were successful and opened the new season with a 3-1 win.

As with many first games, it took a while for either team to get things going. SWC got off 5 shots on goal while their opponents managed 7 with none of them finding the net. NU broke the ice with a goal 3 minutes into the second half. Goalie Jarett Kuipers was unable to corral a bouncing ball and NU took a 1-0 lead. However, Kuipers and the defense stiffened and NU was unable to score again.

Freshman Silas Van Essen took a pass from Jacob Uilk and scored 11 minutes later to tie the score. Two minutes later senior Luis Rodriguiz was the recipient of a pass from Aiden Schaap that he was able to put into the net and give SWC a 2-1 lead. The home team scored one more time with Uilk slipping a ball through the NU offense to Rodriguiz who put the ball past the goalie. When the final horn sounded, the SWC Eagles had a 3-1 victory.

Kuipers turned away 12 NU shots. The Eagles had 16 shots on goal. On Monday SWC traveled to Montgomery to play the Tri-City United Titans. On Tuesday they went to Fairmont to play the FHS Cardinals. On Friday Central Christian comes to town.