Luther hosted Millikin University for the season opener for both teams this afternoon in The Valley. Pre-game ceremonies included the singing of the national anthem by 11-year Clara Garcia-Prats, daughter of Luther men's soccer coach Chris Garcia-Prats and his wife Steph. The coin toss included the newly appointed Presidents Dr. Dean Pribbenow, a 1987 graduate of Luther who played quarterback for the Norse and Dr. Brad Chamberlain. Dr. Prebbenow took over his duties as the 17th president of Millikin University on July 1, 2025 and Dr. Chamberlain became the 12th president of Luther on Feb. 7, 2025. Following the game, the two gentlemen joined the post game hand shake line and settled their friendly wager of wearing the opponents gear if their team was defeated.

In the first half, Millikin scored twice after stopping Luther on downs, once in the first quarter and once in the second. Luther's lone points of the afternoon came on a 42-yard field goal by Sean Medcalfe, matching his career long, with 14:55 remaining in the second frame. In this same frame, Medcalfe punted the football a career long 72 yards for a touchback. A quick check of the school records found that Nick Otte holds the school record of 80 yards against Macalester College in 1925.  Halftime score was 13-3.

Back-to-back turnovers by the Norse in the third quarter resulted in two more touchdowns for the Big Blue giving them a 26-3 lead after three quarters. Millikin added their final touchdown of the game at 4:27 remaining in the game. 

Offensively, Luther was led by Aiden Damiani who tallied 99 yards of total offense, 55 rushing and 44 receiving. Damiani produced the games longest run from scrimmage of 32 yards and longest reception of 40 yards.

Quarterback Brett Liljedahl was 10-of-26 with one interception for 128 yards. Anthony Thornton was the second leading receiver for the Norse collecting two passes for 43 yards. Bryce Buckly made two catches for 20 yards and Bryce Gilaspie has one reception for 21 yards.

Defensively, Tyler Ragan led all tacklers with 16 that included 12 solo. Dane Petersen with nine and Karl Fuhrman with seven rounded out the top-three. Xavier Capton stopped a Big Blue drive with an interception on the Norse five-yard line late in the second quarter.

Box Score

Next week, Luther will complete its non-conference schedule at Martin Luther College. Kick-off in New Ulm, Minn., will take place at 1:00 p.m.