CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Coe College men's soccer team opened its 2026 season on Tuesday night at Clark Field, falling 3-1 to the visiting Grinnell College Pioneers. The opening 45 minutes were scoreless as each team forced saves from the opposition in the first half. Grinnell got things started in the second half, taking the lead in the 51st minute on a beautifully worked corner that featured an intricate pass inside the box to set up the goal. The Pioneers extended the lead in the 68th minute, picking up another set piece goal as an attempted cross from a corner made its way through the Coe back line before finding the back of the net.
Brandon Kostelny netted Coe's first goal of the season from the spot moments later as the Kohawks were awarded a penalty after some jostling in the box. Grinnell hung on for the final 20-plus minutes and extended the lead in the 86th minute, picking up a loose ball in the attacking third before two passes sprung the chance.
GAME FACTS
GRINNELL 3 - COE 1
- Coe recorded an early shot attempt in the fifth minute as Jake Keebler forced a save from the Pioneers. The visitors took control over the next 20 minutes, registering six shots but a trio of saves from William Shaw kept the game scoreless midway through the half. The final portion of the half featured both teams fighting for control, and Shaw was again called into action, making a pair of saves, including one in the 44th minute. The Pioneers managed to break the deadlock in the 51st minute, using a well-worked corner to take the lead as a shot attempt from inside the box sped past Shaw at the near post. A stroke of luck extended the lead 10 minutes later as a cross from a corner evaded the attackers and defenders before trickling into the side netting. Coe quickly got back into the game, being awarded a penalty kick after some shoving in the box from Grinnell. Kostelny dispatched the spot kick with ease to give Coe life but the Pioneers locked down their defense and saw out the remaining minutes. The final goal came on a turnover inside Coe's defensive end, with the Pioneers springing a quick attack for 3-1.
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