Men’s soccer team shuts out Kalamazoo, 2-0

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Olivet College men's soccer team won its tenth game by shutout this season with a 2-0 win over Kalamazoo College today in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) contest at the Kalamazoo Soccer Complex in Kalamazoo. With the win, the Comets improve to 10-3-1, including a 6-2 mark against MIAA opponents. In addition, Olivet has reached double figures in wins for the fourth straight season.

The Comets struck for its first goal in the 22nd minute when sophomore Adam Wright (South End, England/Wixom Walled Lake Western) found the back of the net for his fourth goal this season. Freshman Esteban Russell (DeWitt) earned the assist.

Olivet went up 2-0 less than eight minutes later on an unassisted goal by sophomore Fred Smyser (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Eastern). The momentum of the ball on his corner kick carried it into the goal. There was no scoring in the second half.

The Comets out-shot the Hornets, 15-12, and had a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks. Wright led the way with three shots, with his goal being the third game-winning one of the season for him. Four other Olivet players had two shots apiece. Freshman goalkeeper Alex Lang (West Bloomfield/Detroit Catholic Central) posted his fourth shutout of the season, recording five saves.

The Comets will welcome Albion College to the Cutler Athletic Complex Saturday for a 2:30 p.m. game. The game is a part of a women's/men's soccer doubleheader, as the Olivet women play Kalamazoo at noon.