Men’s soccer: Comets beat Alma, 2-1

ALMA, Mich. – The Olivet College men's soccer team moved six points ahead of Alma College for fourth-place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) standings with a 2-1 victory over the Scots today at Scotland Yard in Alma.

The Comets struck first in the 28th minute on freshman Evan Shambaugh's first collegiate goal. Freshman Vince Geremia and sophomore Gregory Petty were each given an assist on the goal. Olivet added to their lead right before halftime on sophomore Michael Brait's first goal of the season. Junior Jared Wilson-Santos received credit for an assist. The Scots made the score 2-1 with a goal in the 13th minute of the second half.

For the game, Olivet had a 20-17 edge in total shots, with a slight 7-5 advantage in shots-on-goal. Wilson-Santos led the way with five shots. Senior Alex Lang made four saves, while playing all 90 minutes in goal.

"We had a great display today particularly in the first half," said Olivet Head Coach Dan Bulley. "It was the best display I have seen during my time here. The passing was crisp and the movement and combinations tore Alma apart. Evan showed the class of a forward when he scored a bicycle kick into the upper 90 to put us 1-0 up, followed by one of the best team goals you will see at any level, finished off with a great strike into the far corner by Michael to make it 2-0 at the half.

"Alma came out strong in the second half and were rewarded for their efforts to make it 2-1 but a back line starting three freshmen held out strong with senior captain John Leutzinger coming on for Shambaugh with 10 minutes to go to lead us to victory. Alex made a crucial save at 2-1 to keep us in the game and there were strong performances from all involved today."

Olivet plays its next four games at home. The first one is next Tuesday, Oct. 21, against Kalamazoo College at 4 p.m.