Men’s Soccer: Abbott’s strike helps Olivet upset Hope, 1-0, in MIAA Tournament first round

HOLLAND, Mich. – Sophomore Braden Abbott's goal helped The University of Olivet men's soccer team upset Hope College, 1-0, in the first round of the 2023 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Tournament inside the Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

• Final Score: Olivet 1, Hope 0
• Location: Van Andel Soccer Stadium; Holland, Michigan
• Records: Olivet 4-6-6 overall, Hope 11-4-3 overall

• There was no scoring in the first half.
• In the 77th minute, junior Tyler Gerbasi passed the ball to the Abbott's feet at the left side of the field. He took a couple dribbles before unleashing a shot from 25 yards out to the top, right corner of the goal.
• Hope finished the game with a 24-2 advantage in total shots.

• Olivet had just two shots – Abbott's goal and a shot by senior Noah Runnals.
• Freshman Nicholas Van Port Fleet was brilliant in goal, as he collected seven saves.

• Third time is the charm! Today's game was the third meeting this season between the Comets and Flying Dutchmen. Hope won the first two games, 3-0 and 2-1.
• Olivet advanced to the MIAA Tournament for the seventh time in school history, including the fourth straight year.
• The Comets will play in the MIAA Tournament semifinals for the fourth time but the first time since the 2013 season.

• The No. 6 seed Comets advance to play at No. 2 seed Trine (Ind.) University in the MIAA Tournament semifinals next Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.