Men’s soccer team upended by #3 Calvin, 4-0

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Olivet College men's soccer team was upended by Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) leader Calvin College, 4-0, today at Zuidema Field in Grand Rapids. The Knights entered the game ranked No. 3 in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.

The Knights scored their first goal only seven minutes and 16 seconds into the contest. Freshman Alistair Law had a couple good scoring chances in the first half, as a shot in 28th minute was saved by the keeper and another shot in 35th minute sailed just wide of the net.

Calvin added to its lead with an unassisted goal one minute and 30 seconds into the second half. The Knights stretched their lead to 3-0 with a penalty kick goal in the 58th minute and capped their scoring with a goal in the 67th minute. Olivet's only scoring chance came late in the game at the 83rd minute when sophomore Jordan Terry's shot was stopped by the keeper.

"It was a battling first half from us keeping it at 1-0 against a very dangerous Calvin team," said Olivet head coach Dan Bulley. "The second half took the wind out of our sails after they got an early second goal. We were not able to press after a third goal from Calvin off of a penalty."

The Comets finished the game with just five shots compared to 28 for Calvin. Law and Terry each took two shots. In goal, senior Ryan Grashik allowed the first three goals before being replaced by freshman Noah Thelen in the 59th minute. Grashik made three saves, while Thelen had two.

"I felt the work rate and respect for each other which was very evident in the last game was not there today from a few players and this cost us today," said Bulley. "We will address a few things this week as we prepare for three more games which we feel are winnable if we all show up."

Olivet returns to the field Saturday when it hosts Trine (Ind.) University at noon. The game is a part of a soccer doubleheader, as the Comet women also play Trine immediately following the game. In addition, both teams will participating in a breast cancer awareness event.