Men's soccer team posts 4-0 shutout win over Manchester

OLIVET, Mich. -- The Olivet College men's soccer team won its four straight game via shutout today by blanking Manchester, 4-0, at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet. Today's game was a part of the Alma-Olivet Classic Tournament. At Alma, the Scots defeated Siena Heights University, 2-1, in overtime. Tomorrow, the visiting teams switch, with Manchester playing at Alma and Olivet hosting Siena Heights.

Senior Mike May (Mason) got Olivet off to a fast start when he scored two goals in a span of one minute, 38 seconds off the clock. His first came at the 1:22 mark, followed by the second at the 3:00 mark. Sophomore Jake Jensen (Vicksburg) and freshman Fred Smyser (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Eastern) had assists on the first goal, while sophomore Matt Garza (Saline) and freshman Adam Wright (Wixom/Walled Lake Western) were each credited with an assist on the second goal.

"It was really nice to get off to a good start," said May. "After the two goals, it calmed us down and gave us a chance to play our game."

The score stayed 2-0 until the 75th minute when Olivet struck for two quick goals. Freshman Alex Alvarez (Eastpointe/East Detroit) found the back of the net at the 74:30 mark. Sophomore Dalton Guggemos (Laingsburg) and freshman Daniel Hampsten (Plainwell) assisted on the goal. Just over two minutes later, Garza scored a goal on an assist from Wright.

The Comets out-shot the Spartans, 25-9. May topped the team with seven shots, while Garza and Hampsten had four apiece. Senior Ethan Felsing (Mason) and sophomore Sam Cusmano (Haslett) combined for the shutout. Felsing started and played the first 76:30, collecting four saves. Cusmano stopped the only shot he faced.

"In this win, we had a great team effort," said Head Coach Chad Wiseman. "We were able to get a lot of guys some playing time. For the goals, we were finally able to finish a lot of our scoring chances."

Following tomorrow's game, Olivet will open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Wednesday when it travels to play Kalamazoo College at 4 p.m.

NOTE: With his four points today, May moves into second-place in Olivet's all-time goals scored and points list. His career totals are 27 goals, 19 assists and 73 points. The career records are 34 goals and 78 points by Pete Keller for 1989-92. May has tied Keith Slowik's and Matt Wait's career record for assists.