CALVIN KNIGHT SPORTS REPORT FOR OCT. 29, 2014
Men's Soccer Remains Unbeaten in MIAA With 1-0 Win Over Albion
MEN'S SOCCER
Calvin 1, Albion 0
By Mark DeHaan
The Calvin men's soccer team hosted the Britons of Albion on Wednesday afternoon. Despite being down a man for more than half the game, the Knights were able to gut out a 1-0 victory as they kept their perfect conference season on track.
From the starting whistle, the Knights (16-2-0 overall, 13-0-0 MIAA) were able to pressure the Albion defense early, and in the opening eight minutes of play, registered five total shots, although none were on frame.
In the 25th minute, the Knights took the lead. Sophomore Stephan Hooker (Hudsonville/Unity Christian HS) played a through ball to senior Travis Vegter (Hudsonville/Unity Christian HS), who beat the keeper to the ball at the top of the box and slipped it into the back of the net for a 1-0 Calvin lead.
In the 40th minute, a Calvin player was given a red card, and the Knights were faced with a tall task of holding the lead for the remainder of the game.
Calvin held the lead through the end of the first half, building up a 15-1 shots advantage in the opening period of play.
Out of the break, despite being down a man, Calvin had a number of opportunities on goal. Hooker had a shot in the 50th minute that was saved by the Albion keeper. Likewise, an attempt on goal from freshman Mitch Stark (South Lyon/South Lyon HS) was turned aside less than a minute later.
With a man advantage, the Britons began to pressure the Knights midway through the second half. Calvin junior keeper Niko Giantsopoulos (Markham., ON/St. Augustine Catholic HS) stopped a shot from an Albion forward in the 65th minute, then made a goal-saving stop with his right foot in the 72nd minute.
The Knights defense then locked down the Britons offense, allowing only two shots the remainder of the contest as Calvin held on for a 1-0 victory.
The Knights outshot Albion 25-8 for the game. Giantsopoulos made three saves in goal for the hard-earned clean sheet.
"Gutty, gritty - all those cliché words you use - it wasn't our prettiest 90 minutes, but our guys were able to do what the job required," said head coach Ryan Souders. "We know were going to have to fight on Saturday against Olivet. Our guys have to come ready."
Calvin improves to 13-0 in the MIAA and 16-2 overall, while Albion falls to 5-8 in conference play and 7-10 overall.
The Knights now look forward to Saturday when they wrap up their regular season at home against the Comets of Olivet. Calvin will also honor the six members of its senior class on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Received on Thu, 30 Oct 2014 02:14:23 +0000
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