Men’s soccer: Olivet drops 2-1 overtime decision to Kalamazoo

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College men's soccer team dropped a hard-fought 2-1 overtime decision to Kalamazoo College in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association contest today at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet. Despite the loss, the Comets remain in fourth-place in the MIAA standings with a 6-5 record.

Neither team was able to put a shot into the back of the net in the first 45 minutes of play. Olivet had a couple good scoring opportunities but each time the keeper saved the shot. Kalamazoo had a golden chance to score but a shot was saved off the back line by the defense.

The Comets dented the scoreboard only 23 seconds into the second half. Senior Zach Schulz was tripped up in the box, resulting in a penalty kick, which he then buried into the goal.

The Hornets came back eight minutes later and tied the game on their own penalty kick goal. Olivet nearly won the game late in regulation but several chances were stopped by the keeper or went wide of the net. Kalamazoo also had a solid chance to win it, but junior keeper Ryan Grashik made the save on a break-away attempt in the 82nd minute.

In the extra period, Grashik stopped a Hornet shot before freshman Joby Griggs' shot on a free kick was saved. The Comets turned the ball over in the middle of the field, which led to the game-winning goal three minutes and 37 seconds into overtime.

Olivet finished the game with a 19-14 edge in total shots, but a smaller 12-11 edge in shots-on-goal. Senior Jon Puente topped the team with six shots, placing four on frame. Schulz was next with five shots. Grashik played the entire game in net, and made eight saves.

The Comets host Hope College Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.