Men’s soccer team ends season with 2-0 loss to Hope in MIAA Tournament semis

HOLLAND, Mich. – The Olivet College men's soccer team ended its season with a 2-0 loss to Hope College in the 2013 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Tournament semifinals tonight at Van Andel Soccer Stadium in Holland.

HOLLAND, Mich. – The Olivet College men's soccer team ended its season with a 2-0 loss to Hope College in the 2013 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Tournament semifinals tonight at Van Andel Soccer Stadium in Holland.

The Comets had a couple chances early in the game but their shots were saved by the Hope keeper. The Flying Dutchmen broke through in the 33rd minute on Josh Hagene's goal. The score stayed 1-0 at halftime. Olivet had an opportunity to slot in the game-tying goal in the 50th minute . Hope capped its scoring in the 86th minute on a goal by Cameron Dice.

For the game, the Comets out-shot the Dutchmen, 15-13, including a 7-6 edge in shots-on-goal. Senior Fred Smyser (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Eastern) led the way with five shots. Juniors Jon Puente (Kalamazoo/Galesburg Augusta) and Zach Schulz (Farmington) each took four shots.

Sophomore Ryan Grashik (New Baltimore/Anchor Bay) played the first 45 minutes in goal, recording three saves on nine Hope shots. Junior Alex Lang (West Bloomfield/Detroit Catholic Central) was in net for the final 45 minutes, making one save on four shots.

The Comets finish the season with a 10-9-1 overall record.