JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Grinnell College's men's soccer team enjoyed new life by winning key contests down the stretch to earn a spot in the four-team Midwest Conference Tournament.
 
The Pioneers are looking to capitalize on that, beginning with a semifinal round test against top-seeded host Illinois College at 2 p.m. Friday.
 
Grinnell, the fourth seed, finished league play at 3-3-2 while posting an 8-5-5 overall record. Illinois College went 5-1-2 in the MWC and is 10-4-3 in all matches. Grinnell handed the Blueboys their lone league setback with a 1-0 decision on Oct. 7.
 
Grinnell ranks second in the league with 18 goals scored and has surrendered 10, which is third-best. The Blueboys lead the league with 20 goals and have given up eight, which is tied for lowest.
 
The winner meets either Cornell College or Lake Forest College at 2 p.m. Saturday for the tourney title and automatic NCAA Division III Tournament berth.

Tourney Website