CALVIN SPORTS REPORT FOR SEPT. 28, 2010
Men's Soccer Picks Up 1-0 Win at Kalamazoo
MEN'S SOCCER
By Sports Information Student Assistant Andrew Knot
KALAMAZOO - After a disappointing loss to Hope last weekend, the Calvin men’s
soccer team rebounded with a 1-0 conference victory over Kalamazoo on Tuesday.
The Knights had struggled to maintain possession against the Flying Dutchmen
on Saturday, and responded by taking control of the ball on the pitch at
Kalamazoo’s MacKenzie Field.
The Knights owned a significant advantage in possession, especially in the
first half, where Calvin generated chances early and often. A breakaway
opportunity from Scott Hooker and a few corner kick chances had Calvin with
clear control of the game, but nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.
“It was important to get a victory at Kalamazoo. Three points are crucial
this year, especially with the level of the other teams stepping up,” said
Coach Chris Hughes.
The game remained scoreless in the first half, with Calvin outshooting the
Hornets 9-0.
In the 64rd minute, senior Kurt Van Sickel scored on a low driven shot from
the left side of the eighteen, giving Calvin a 1-0 lead.
The goal came off an assist from junior Miles Colago, who fed Van Sickel an
attacking pass from the midfield.
That lead would hold, despite a flurry of activity late in the second half
from the Hornets. The Calvin defense held the Hornets to three shots.
Goalkeeper Ryan Bratt made one save in another clean sheet effort.
Calvin finished the match with a 17-3 advantage in shots, as well as a severe
dominance in possession. The Knights took Kalamazoo out of their game,
silencing their offensive attack on their home turf.
Coach Hughes understands that MIAA road victories are hard to come by.
“I think the guys were ready to play. Today was a good victory for the team,”
he commented. “A win at MacKenzie Field is always a tough feat.”
The victory ties the Knights atop the MIAA with a 2-1 conference record and an
8-1 overall record. Now ranked 18th in the latest National Soccer Coaches
Association Division III Top 25 poll, Calvin is locked in a six-way tie for
first place in the MIAA standings as Adrian, Calvin, Hope, Kalamazoo, Olivet
and Trine all own 2-1 league marks.
Calvin will host Olivet on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
“It will be another big game on Saturday, “ said Hughes. “We’d love to see as
many of our fans out to see us as possible.”
CHRIS HUGHES AUDIO INTERVIEW:
http://www.calvin.edu/sports/audio/10/Men%27sSoccer/ChrisHughes092810.mp3
CALVIN/KALAMAZOO PHOTO GALLERY: http://www.calvin.edu/gallery/Kalamazoo0928
MIAA MEN'S SOCCER STANDINGS THROUGH 9-28-10
Adrian 2-1
Calvin 2-1
Hope 2-1
Kalamazoo 2-1
Olivet 2-1
Trine 2-1
Albion 0-3
Alma 0-3
Received on Tue Sep 28 23:39:01 2010
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