GRINNELL,Iowa - Grinnell men's soccer team kicked off its 2021 Midwest Conference season with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win against Illinois College on Sunday at Springer Field.

The Pioneers, who have now won six straight matchups against the Blueboys, opened the game with a flurry of dangerous attacks but conceded the first game's goal in the 34th minute. They remained 1-0 down at halftime despite winning the first-half shots battle 10-3.

Grinnell finally found a breakthrough 13 minutes into the second half when Jasper Yang '22 found the back of the net on a header off of a corner kick. Oliver Northing '25 earned the assist with a beautiful pass that found Yang at the back post.

The game remained tied for the remainder of the half, largely thanks to standout goalkeeper Carter Benson's '24 clutch penalty save with three minutes remaining. The save was one of five on the day for Benson.

In overtime, the Pioneers wasted little time before scoring the winning goal. On the play, Ryota Matsunaga '24 played a ball from just behind midfield to the chest of Yang at the top of the Illinois College box. Yang turned and struck the ball past the diving goalkeeper and into the bottom left corner of the net.

Yang's two goals today were his eighth and ninth of the season so far. He posted a team-high eight shots on the day, while Sam Naik '22 had two and Noah Guyton '23, Davis Provost '23, and Northing had one each. Overall, Grinnell outshot Illinois College 14-7.

The Pioneers improve to 1-0 in conference play and 4-4 overall with Sunday's win. Illinois College fall to 5-3.

Grinnell returns to conference action in an away contest against Knox College on Wednesday.