CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Penn. - The Force battled hard, but ultimately fell to the Chicago Steel 3-1 in their opening contest of the 2022-23 season. 

The Force dominated the opening frame creating a multitude of high quality scoring opportunities, but Chicago Steel netminder Christian Manz shut them down. Fargo led in shots on goal 10-7, however both teams remained scoreless after the first period.

The Force opened the scoring with 4:58 remaining in the second period. Force returner Cole Knuble scored Fargo's first goal of the season on a beautiful deflection. Brasen Boser and J.P. Turner both collected assists on the play. Force goaltender Anton Castro shut down seven shots on goal from the Steel, keeping the score 1-0 Fargo heading into the third.

With about 10 minutes remaining in the third, Chicago found the back of the net thanks to a Mick Thompson one-timer. Two minutes later, the Steel added a second goal, on a 5-on-3 opportunity, after back to back Force penalties. The Force pulled their goaltender with just under two minutes remaining, but with 53 seconds left, it was Chicago who added an empty net tally. Chicago finished with a 3-1 win in the first game of the regular season.

The Force are back at 7:30 PM CT tomorrow night when they face off against the defending Eastern Conference Champions, the Madison Capitols. For more details on tomorrow night's game, click here.