Law scores two goals to help men’s soccer team defeat Hope, 2-1

OLIVET, Mich. – Freshman Alistair Law scored two goals to help the Olivet College men's soccer team close out the first half of its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association campaign with a 2-1 win over Hope College today at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

Law netted his first goal in the 11th minute. After receiving a pass from freshman Eli Westers, he sent a low shot on the ground which snuck inside the far post. Law stretched the Comets lead to 2-0 with another goal in the 28th minute.

Freshman Donald Robertson played the ball from the middle of the field to Law's feet. He then dribbled the ball through several Hope defenders and into the box, where he fired a shot into the net from four yards out.

In the first half, the Flying Dutchmen had only three shots and only one found the back of the net in the 42nd minute. The shot was a header by Miguel Ramirez off a free kick at the top of the box by James Reymann.

"I was very pleased with our first half showing in terms of creativity and conviction in front of goal," said Olivet head coach Dan Bulley. "Ali had two great finishes and partnered well up top with Eli Westers who assisted on the first goal."

Hope turned up the offensive pressure in the second half, recording eight more shots and earning 11 corner kicks. The Comets' back line and senior goalkeeper Ryan Grashik kept the Flying Dutchmen off the scoreboard. Olivet had just a couple scoring opportunities in the second stanza.

"Defensively in the second half, we were able to stand tall and refuse any opportunity Hope threatened with," said Bulley.

For the game, the Comets out-shot Hope, 14-11, including an 8-2 advantage in shots on-goal. Law led the way with five shots, while Robertson and freshman Denver Bonkowski each had two. Grashik played all 90 minutes in net and collected one save.

"The team is getting stronger by the day and we can see a night and day difference from the start of the season," said Bulley. "We still find ourselves plagued with injury and are forced to play with many young players but it is a great experience for everybody and people are stepping up at the right time."

The Comets travel to play Kalamazoo College Saturday at noon.