NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Midfielder Briggs Priem scored two goals and assisted on another as the No. 21-ranked Carleton College men's soccer team opened the 2024 campaign with a 3-0 victory over visiting Bethany Lutheran College.
 
Priem got Carleton (1-0-0) on the scoreboard less than 90 seconds into the match. Danny Ortiz carried the ball along the endline before feeding a pass to the top of the six-yard box. Priem ran onto the ball and finished with his left foot, tallying his 10th career goal.
 
In the 16th minute, the Knights doubled their advantage. Priem controlled the ball amongst a trio of Bethany Lutheran (0-1-0) players, laying it off to Blake Jones for a 25-yard shot that tucked inside the left post.
 
Alexander Grosse came within inches of padding the Carleton lead when his header deflected off the crossbar in the 21st minute.
 
The Vikings were presented with a golden opportunity to trim into the deficit in the 59th minute as Raheem Graham earned a penalty kick after a foul in the box. Graham stepped up to the spot but was denied by Carleton goalkeeper Daniel Linder, who paced all NCAA men's goalies (Division I, II, and III) in save percentage during the 2023 season.
 
The scoring was capped in the 77th minute. Dylan Stiffler sent a cross into the box, and Willan Shrock headed the ball down to Priem, who was alone inside the six-yard box. The junior midfielder completed his brace with a close-range shot.
 
Carleton finished with a 16-7 edge in shots. Linder registered three saves en route to his 15th career shutout.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton hosts Augustana College (Ill.) at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1