Men’s soccer team battles but falls to Elmhurst, 2-1

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College men's soccer team lost to Elmhurst (Ill.) College, 2-1, in a non-league contest this afternoon in its home-opener at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

The Bluejays took a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute on a header. Elmhurst added to its lead 24 minutes later on an unassisted goal. The score remained 2-0 at the halftime break.

The Comets made the score 2-1 in the 10th minute of the second half. Senior Adam Wright (Southend, England/Walled Lake Western) dribbled the ball from the far side of the field and into the box at the far post. His cross found the feet of junior Jon Puente (Kalamazoo/Galesburg Augusta), who buried a shot to the near post and into the goal. Olivet had several good chances to score the equalizer, but each time the shot went high or wide of the net.

The Bluejays out-shot the Comets, 9-8, in the first half, but Olivet returned the advantage, 15-7, in the second half for a 23-16 game edge. Puente led the way with six shots, with his goal being the only placed on frame. Junior Alex Lang (West Bloomfield/Detroit Catholic Central) was the losing keeper, as he surrendered both goals in 38 minutes and 27 seconds of game time. Sophomore Ryan Grashik (New Baltimore/Anchor Bay) finished the game in goal and made three saves.

The Comets are off for a week and will be back in action next Saturday, Sept. 14, against North Park (Ill.) University at 3 p.m.