Men’s soccer team rallies to beat Wisconsin-Whitewater, 2-1

The Olivet College men's soccer team came from behind to beat University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Sunday afternoon, 2-1, to capture the tournament championship of the Alma-Olivet Soccer Classic.

The Warhawks led 1-0 at halftime behind a goal in the 38th minute. With nine minutes left in regulation, junior Mike May (Mason) tied the game with a goal. After receiving a pass from junior Matt Manning (Charlotte), he evaded a defender and went one-vs.-one with the goalie.

"Mike's goal was a counter," first-year Head Coach Chad Wiseman said. "Matt won the box at the top of the 18 and slipped the ball to Mike. He took a couple dribbles and tucked the ball into the side netting."

Olivet scored the game-winner just one minute, 10 seconds into overtime. Freshman Carlos Alejos (Kentwood/East Kentwood) knocked in the goal. May and freshman Jacob Jensen (Vicksburg) were each credited with an assist.

"Mike did a great job with a throw-in, which Jake was able to flick into the box," said Wiseman. "Carlos was charging and made no mistake and finished his scoring chance."

Whitewater had a two-shot advantage, 16-14, but Olivet had one more shot-on-goal. Mike had five of the shots. Junior Ethan Felsing (Mason) played all 91:10 in goal and made five saves.

"This was a great contest," Wiseman said. "We knew coming in that Whitewater was a very good team. We held our defensive line and stayed discipline the entire match. We finish the non-conference portion of our schedule with a 4-2 record and we now look forward to competing in the MIAA."

Felsing, Manning, May and senior Andrew Evans (Eastport/Petoskey) were named to the all-tournament team.

The Comets open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Wednesday when it travels to play Adrian College at 4 p.m.