GAMBIER, Ohio – Atli Hrafnkelsson scored with less than seven minutes left to lift the 22nd-ranked Kenyon College men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory against Wilmington College (7-2) on Tuesday night at Mavec Field. It was Kenyon's seventh straight win and improved its record to 8-1.
 
Kenyon had a good start with five shots in the first 13 minutes, including three quality looks from Philippe Stengel, Scott Upton and Jack Cohen.  Two of those attempts just missed left of the post.
 
After that, however, opportunities were limited for the Lords. Their best chance came in the 30th minute after a cross came to sophomore Sebastian Gaese whose header was denied by Quakers keeper Felix Mauer. On the other sideline, Wilmington attempted two shots in the first stanza, both of which were well off-target.
 
Fifteen minutes into the second half, Upton broke the scoreless tie. Gaese was tripped up in the goalie's box, which drew the head official's whistle, and Upton followed with a penalty-kick conversion. It was his fourth goal of the season, matching his total from a year ago.
 
Despite that, Wilmington kept fighting, increased its energy, and found the equalizer. In the 71st minute, a long ball from J.C. Brewer was met near the top of the 18 by teammate Nati Wallis and a Kenyon defender. The ball deflected near the goal line and Wallis hustled to tap it in.
 
With the score tied, the Lords turned to two freshmen to go ahead for good. Trevor Gleason raced down the left side, shot, and his attempt was saved. However, the rebound came to Hrafnkelsson who chipped an attempt over Mauer for the game-winner.
 
The Lords will open conference play next. On Saturday, they will travel to Allegheny College for a 3 p.m. match.