Men’s soccer team slips past Hope, 2-1, in overtime

HOLLAND, Mich. – Junior Zach Schulz scored with 2:08 left in overtime to lift the Olivet College men's soccer team to a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Hope College tonight at the Van Andel Soccer Stadium in Holland.

The Flying Dutchmen took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute when David Porte scored on a header off a deflection. The score remained 1-0 at halftime. The Comets scored the equalizer with 12:43 left in the game. Senior Adam Wright finished off a shot from four yards out off a crossing pass by junior Jared Wilson-Santos.

Olivet had a couple chances early in overtime to score a goal, but one shot was saved by the keeper and a second shot sailed wide. A header by Hope later in the extra session went high. Schulz buried his shot from 12 yards out after getting a passing from Wright.

The Comets posted an 18-14 edge in shots during the game. Junior Jon Puente had five, followed by Wright with four. Sophomore Ryan Grashik started in goal, playing 34 minutes and making one save on six shots. Junior Alex Lang finished the game in net to earn the win. He collected two saves on eight shots.

"I could not be more proud of my team tonight," said Olivet Head Coach Dan Bulley. "The performance was spot on and we will enjoy this win against a hard-working Hope side whose only threat came from their direct style of play. We out-classed them on the night and were rewarded with goals from Adam Wright with his third goal in two goals and Zach Schulz notching the game-winner.

"Overall it was a game which we dominated possession and stood firm at the back. We must keep our feet on the ground and come out strong in our next game now."

Olivet will travel to play Trine (Ind.) University Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 4 p.m. and then host Adrian College Saturday, Oct. 12, at noon.