Men’s soccer: Olivet defeats Chicago, 2-1

CHICAGO, Ill. – Less than 24 hours after letting a 2-0 halftime lead slip away, the Olivet College men's soccer team made the same score stand, as the Comets hung on to beat the University of Chicago (Ill.), 2-1, this afternoon at Stagg Field in Chicago.

Olivet grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute when senior John Leutzinger fired a shot past the keeper. Sophomore Michael Brait and junior Cory Werner-Hoskins were each given an assist on the goal. The Comets stretched their lead to 2-0 in the 26th minute on senior Zach Schulz's first goal of the season, with an assist from senior Jon Puente. The Maroons did not score their only goal until there was less than four minutes left in the game.

Chicago out-shot Olivet, 21-12, with a 12-5 edge in shots-on-goal. Leutzinger, Schulz and senior Jared Wilson-Santos each had three shots. In goal, junior Ryan Grashik recorded 11 saves, while playing all 90 minutes.

 "We fully deserved to win today against a very good U of Chicago team," said Olivet Head Coach Dan Bulley. "Our first half performance won is the game with goals from John Leutzinger and a ruthless finish from Zach Schulz. We were sharp in front of the goal today, which was something we have been lacking prior to this weekend.

"The second half saw us change our mindset and we soaked up pressure extremely well. We were unlucky not to grab a third goal. They grabbed a consolation goal with a couple minutes to go before the final whistle was blown. The guys have worked for this win for a long time. We stuck to our plan and executed it to perfection. One hundred and eighty minutes in two days was demanding and we stood up to the rest. The win will give us great confidence going into Wednesday."

The Comets now turn attention to their Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener next Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Albion College. Game time is 4 p.m.