Men’s soccer team wins in double overtime at Kalamazoo, 1-0

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Sophomore Matt Meldrum (Chesterfield Twp./Anchor Bay) scored in the sixth minute of the second overtime to lift the Olivet College men's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Kalamazoo College in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) contest today at Mackenzie Field in Kalamazoo. The Comets have now won five straight games.

"We had another superb win today," said Olivet Head Coach Dan Bulley. "Matt scored the game-winner in the second overtime to drive the Comets wild with joy."

Statistically, the first half was nearly equal, with Olivet having a slight 7-6 edge in total shots, but the Hornets having the 4-2 advantage in shots placed on goal. The Comets had the only shot-on-goal attempt in the second half. Kalamazoo was the aggressive team in the first overtime period, taking two shots.

"We showed heart and great character in a game where we had to make some tweaks tactically during the contest," Bulley said. "Kalamazoo was a different team from the first meeting earlier this season. Coach Shabaz and his team made it very tough for us at time, so credit goes to them."

Olivet turned the tables in the second overtime. The Comets earned a corner kick at the 105:49 mark. The initial shot off the corner was saved, but Meldrum gathered the rebound and made his shot from 10 yards out.

For the game, Olivet had 13 shots. Four players each had two shots. Junior Alex Lang (West Bloomfield/Detroit Catholic Central) played the first half in goal and made two saves. Sophomore Ryan Grashik (New Baltimore/Anchor Bay) was the keeper in the final 60:55. He faced four shots but did not make a save.

"Another shutout from our young back line," said Bulley. "We also had fine performances from Alex in goal in the first half and Grashik in the second half."

The Comets host Alma College next Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m.

"We move forward to our midweek game against Alma," Bulley said. "I know the lads will be fired up, as we look to come out on top having lost to them on the road earlier this season."