Men’s soccer team defeats Alma, 3-1, for school-record 15th win of season

Schulz's goal is game-winner and first collegiate

ALMA, Mich. – The Olivet College men's soccer team rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to beat Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) foe Alma College, 3-1, today at Scotland Yard in Alma. With the win, the Comets have broken the single-season school records for overall wins (15), MIAA wins (10) and MIAA points (30). In addition, Olivet has secured the #2 seed for the 2012 MIAA Tournament, which begins next Thursday, Nov. 1.

The Scots led 1-0 at halftime behind a goal by Zach Vanderveer in the 15th minute. Sophomore John Leutzinger (Washington/Warren De La Salle) scored the equalizer for the Comets in the sixth minute of the second half. Freshman Austin Dunn (Perry) and sophomore Evan Simpson (Washington/Romeo) were each credited with an assist on the goal.

Sophomore Zach Schulz (Farmington) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 58th minute, with freshman Cory Werner-Hoskins (Kalamazoo/Mattawan) earning the assist. Olivet scored its third goal a little more than five minutes later on sophomore Esteban Russell's (DeWitt) 10th goal of the season. Sophomore Camden Iwasko (Livonia/Stevenson) had the assist.

"Zach was playing inspired soccer today," said Olivet Head Coach Chad Wiseman. "His paternal grandfather passed away on Wednesday, and he wanted to be here today with his teammates. It was nice to see him get the game-winning goal and what made it even more nicer, the goal was his first collegiate one."

The Comets finished the game with a 23-11 advantage in shots. Russell led the way with six shots, while Schulz and sophomore Jon Puente (Kalamazoo/Galesburg Augusta) each had three. Sophomore Alex Lang (West Bloomfield/Detroit Catholic Central) earned the win in goal, as he faced 11 shots and made five saves in 90 minutes.

Olivet will end the regular season portion of its schedule next Tuesday, Oct. 30, when it hosts Trine (Ind.) University at 4 p.m.