Russell leads men’s soccer team to 2-1 overtime win at Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Sophomore Esteban Russell (DeWitt) scored both goals to help the Olivet College men's soccer beat Kalamazoo College, 2-1, in overtime this afternoon at Mackenzie Field in Kalamazoo. Today's win was the second time this season the Comets have beaten the Hornets in overtime this season. Back on Sept. 26, Olivet defeated Kalamazoo, 1-0, in double OT.

With the win, the Comets improve their overall record to 14-2-1, including a 9-2 mark against Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) opponents. In addition, Calvin beat Hope 2-1 earlier today, moving Olivet two games ahead of both Hope and Kalamazoo in the league standings.

Russell put the first goal on the scoreboard only two minutes and 15 seconds into the game. The score stayed that way until the 78th minute when the Hornets found the back of the net. There was no scoring in the final 12 minutes of the second half.

Olivet scored the winning goal five minutes and 55 seconds into the first overtime period. Sophomore Jon Puente (Kalamazoo/Galesburg Augusta) passed the ball to Russell, who buried a shot into the net.

For the game, the Comets had 12 shots, with Russell recording half. Sophomore Matt Van Houten (Northville) played the entire game in goal. He faced seven shots and made only one save.

Olivet will play a pair of road games next week. The Comets travel to play Adrian College Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and Alma College Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.