GALESBURG — Under newly installed lights and in front of one of the largest crowds in program history, Knox College men’s soccer defeated Monmouth College 3-1 on Oct. 7 at Jorge Prats Field.

The match marked a milestone for the Prairie Fire — the first night game in the program’s 55-year history — and extended Knox’s dominance over its longtime rival to 10 straight victories.

A rivalry that runs deep
“It was the first night game, and it gave the field a whole different atmosphere,” said Jamei Avery, office coordinator of dining services, who has attended Knox-Monmouth matchups for nearly 15 years. “I’ve never seen that big of a crowd at a soccer game. The rivalry is kind of fun.”

Second-half surge
Monmouth took an early lead in the first half, but Knox stormed back after the break. Sophomore Ethan Thomas and junior Apostolos Karamperis each scored to put the Prairie Fire ahead. Monmouth answered with a highlight-reel scorpion-kick goal before senior Arito Nakamichi sealed the win in the 78th minute.

“We had good energy and were feeling it even before the game started,” said junior captain Carlos Rebello de Silva. “We knew a lot of people would be there — and it was our rivals.”

More than a win
As the final whistle blew, the crowd erupted, capping a night that will be remembered as one of the most spirited in recent Prairie Fire history. The Monmouth–Knox rivalry, among the longest-running in the Midwest, remains a hallmark of small-college sports and community pride in Galesburg.

For Knox players and fans alike, the new lights symbolize more than convenience — they mark a bright new era for a program still grounded in tradition.

Knox College student Ada Ndiaye wrote this story as part of a collaboration between Galesburg Community News and the Knox College journalism program. The partnership gives students hands-on experience reporting local stories for the community.