Men’s soccer team rallies to beat Albion, 3-2, in double overtime

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College men's soccer team rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to beat Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association rival Albion College, 3-2, this afternoon at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

The Britons led 2-0 at halftime behind a goal by Will Colborn in the 30th minute and Shawn Roberts in the 40th minute. "The boys came out flat today and went against everything that was necessary," said Olivet head coach Dan Bulley. "Whether or not the wind had a say in affairs is one thing but the lack of desire and willingness to do what was required was evident.

"The guys heard it from me at halftime and truths were spoken. Nobody was excluded from the conversation and I feel as though the team needed to hear how disappointed we were as a staff."

Olivet started its comeback in the 57th minute. Sophomore Evan Shambaugh fed the ball to the feet of freshman Alistair Law who buried a shot into the goal. The Comets leveled the score in the 75th minute. Shambaugh sent a pass to sophomore Jordan Terry who found the back of the net with the equalizer. Both teams had at least one good scoring chance in the final minutes of regulation but the shots were stopped by the keeper.

"The second half saw the response we were hoping for," said Bulley. "Alistair reduced the deficit early in the half after passing assists from Sam Jones and Evan Shambaugh putting Ali through on goal to finish high into the net. This set the scene for what was about to be an incredible comeback and the comeback was complete towards the later stages of the game when a cross from the left evaded an Albion defender and Jordan was there to pounce and head home the ball into the net."

In the first overtime period, Albion had a slight 4-3 advantage in shots. Albion had its best chance to score in the second overtime period. Olivet's keeper was away from the net when a shot by Erik Vanfossen was chested off the goal line by sophomore defender Vince Geremia.

The Comets got the ball to its offensive end. Law sent a crossing pass from the right side of the field and into the box, where freshman Matthew Henderson headed the ball past the keeper with 4:08 left in the second overtime stanza.

"There was no doubt in my mind we would go on to win the game," said Bulley. "We weathered the first overtime period against the wind and set up very well tactically to give ourselves a chance in the second overtime.

"We rode our luck after a back pass to the goalkeeper failed to get to its destination but it was big Vince Geremia to the rescue clearing off the line. Moments later, an Alistair Law cross found the head of Matt Henderson for the game-winning goal to end proceedings. The lads and staff alike were jubilant and piled on top of our hero in sheer elation for the victory we needed to keep ourselves alive and kicking in conference play."

For the game, the Britons out-shot Olivet, 25-16. Law topped the team with six shots, followed by three for Henderson. Senior Ryan Grashik played the entire game in goal and made nine saves.

The Comets travel to play MIAA leader Calvin College next Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m.

"Results have been going our way in other games and it was nice to capitalize today," said Bulley. "The win keeps us in contention for a playoff berth and although we face an uphill task, we have momentum going into the game at Calvin. They are unbeaten in many games and we know that its streak has to end at some point. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"After the game, we talked about remaining humble and staying focused on the task ahead. It was a privilege to be a part of this today and I am delighted for everyone who has worked effortlessly for large parts of the season so far."