Men's soccer team opens MIAA play with 5-2 win over Tri-State

Behind two goals each by freshman Mike May (Mason) and sophomore Josh Van Wagner (Jackson/Lumen Christi), the Olivet College men's soccer team defeated Tri-State (Ind.) University today in Olivet. The game was the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) opener for both schools.

May also recorded an assist for five total points in the game. Freshman Robert Ching (Elsie/Ovid-Elsie) had the fifth Comet goal. Freshman Matt Manning (Charlotte) tallied two assists, while seniors Michael Manning (Charlotte) and Ryan Scott (Williamston) had one a piece.

Olivet (3-4, 1-0 MIAA) jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead. In the eighth minute, Ching found the back of the net off a pass from Michael Manning. Van Wagner scored his first goal in the 21st minute. Scott punted the ball from deep in the Tri-State zone and into the Olivet zone. Van Wagner settled the ball and sent a shot past the Thunder keeper.

The Thunder (0-6, 0-1 MIAA) tied the game at 2-2 with a pair of goals early in the second half. In the 61st minute, Van Wagner put the Comets ahead for good with a goal, which was assisted by May. May tallied his first goal in the 81st minute. Matt Manning took a hard shot from the top of the box, which deflected off the keeper's hands. May gathered the rebound and sent the ball into the net. After receiving a pass from Matt Manning in the 88th minute, May dribbled through the Tri-State defense and made a goal from about five yards out.

For the game, Olivet had 21 shots, including 14 on-goal. May led the way with six shots, followed by Andrew Evans (Eastport/Petoskey) with four and four other Comets with two each. In goal, sophomore Ethan Felsing (Mason) faced 18 shots and collected eight saves.

The Comets continue MIAA play Saturday when they host Kalamazoo College at 2 p.m.