Men’s soccer team ends non-conference schedule with 5-1 record

OLIVET, Mich. -- The Olivet College men's soccer team closed out the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 2-0 shutout win over Siena Heights today in the second day of the Alma-Olivet Classic Tournament at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet. Coupled with Alma's 0-0 double overtime tie with Manchester (Ind.), the Comets are declared the tournament champion.

Olivet dented the scoreboard just 1:50 into the game when senior Mike May (Mason) sent a shot into the goal. Sophomore Matt Garza (Saline) and senior Matt Manning (Charlotte) each recorded an assist on the goal. The score stayed 1-0 until the 55th minute when May found the back of the net for the second time in the game. Freshman Fred Smyser (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Eastern) played the ball from the middle of the field into the box, where May buried the shot.

For the game, Olivet had 11 shots, including five for May. Smyser had three shots. Senior Ethan Felsing (Mason) was the keeper for all 90 minutes and made nine saves, while facing 16 shots.

"We forced them from to shoot from a distance," said Felsing. "When our defense does that, it's a lot easier to make a save."

The Comets finish their non-league schedule with a 5-1 record, including five straight wins by shutout. Olivet will now begin its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play schedule Wednesday at Kalamazoo College at 4 p.m.

"We hope to carry the momentum from this weekend into Wednesday's game," said Head Coach Chad Wiseman. "We know the next most important game is Wednesday."