MEQUON, Wis. - The Martin Luther College football team lost 28-21 in Saturday's 2021 season-opener at Concordia-WI.

The Knights built a 14-0 second-quarter lead thanks to a 20-yard Ethan Aguilar touchdown run, followed by a five-yard scoring pass from Aguilar to Mike Radue. The Falcons answered, however, with a pair of scores in the final six minutes of the first half to tie the game 14-14.

Concordia continued to ride that momentum in the second half, scoring two more times in the third quarter to take a 28-14 lead heading into the final period.

MLC pulled within one score with just over one minute to play thanks to an Elliott Butler three-yard run, but the Falcons stopped the Knights' final offensive possession in the last minute to secure the seven-point win.

The Knights had a big day on the ground with 327 yards rushing, but committed four second half turnovers (two fumbles, two interceptions) and turned the ball over on downs on four other drives (twice inside the Concordia 20-yard line).

Carson Oestreich (33 carries for 130 yards) led the rushing attack. Butler added 95 yards on 17 carries, while Max Nordlie carried eight times for 40 yards.

Radue was the Knights' main target through the air, finishing with six catches for 70 yards and one score.

Defensively, the Knights held the Falcons to 308 total yards and forced three turnovers (all interceptions). Ben Arndt picked off two passes, while Jacob Lewis recorded his first career interception. Ben Riegsecker led the defense with nine total tackles, including three tackles for loss and one sack.

MLC fell to 0-1 to start the season in defeat, while Concordia improved to 1-0 with the win.

The Knights will host Wisconsin Lutheran College next Saturday (September 11) in the season's home opener. That game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m.