Heuker’s hat trick leads men’s soccer to 8-0 shutout win over Andrews in season-opener

Freshman James Heuker (Rockford/Cedar Springs) recorded a hat trick, as the Olivet College men's soccer team opened the 2009 season with an 8-0 shutout win over Andrews University this evening at the Cutler Athletic Complex.

Heuker scored his first two goals in a span of just over one minute in the first half. The first goal was scored at the 40:24 mark off a pass from Jacob Jensen (Vicksburg), and the second came at 41:43 off a pass from Scott Ellingham (Richmond/Armada).

The Comets scored their third goal 48 seconds into the second half when sophomore Chase Anthes (Ludington) buried a shot into the goal. Sixteen seconds later, Heuker scored a goal to complete his hat trick. Freshman Carlos Alejos (Kentwood/East Kentwood) was credited with an assist on the goal. Alejos added a goal of his own in the 59th minute off a pass from freshman Matt Garza (Pinckney/Saline).

In the 68th minute, freshman Dalton Guggemos (Laingsburg) scored a brilliant goal. Garza played the ball across to junior Clay Robinson (Marshall), who then got it to Guggemos in the box for the goal. Guggemos added another goal at the 74:04 mark off another Garza assist. Olivet closed the scoring when freshman Cameron Wing's (Laingsburg/Okemos) soft shot was not controlled by the goalkeeper.

"Getting a hat trick was a great way to start the season," said Heuker. "The win was not just about me, it was a team effort. I couldn't have done it without my teammates."

The Comets finished the game with a decisive 41-2 advantage in shots, including a 25-1 edge in shots-on-goal. Junior Mike May (Mason) posted a team-leading nine shots, followed by Guggemos and Heuker with seven and six, respectively. Junior Ethan Felsing (Mason) started the game in goal, and played the first 62:15, while freshman Sam Cusmano (Haslett) played the final 27:45. Each keeper faced one shot, and Cusmano made the only save.

"The biggest thing about today is we were able to get a lot of young guys in," said first-year Head Coach Chad Wiseman. "They showed they can compete at this level. I am happy for James (Heuker). He had three great finishes. We need to celebrate this win tonight, but also know we can use this match as a building stone for our next match."

The Comets will return to the field Saturday when they travel to Grand Rapids to play Davenport University. Game time is 1 p.m.