After a 5-0 conference opening win against Adrian this past Tuesday, the men's soccer team was looking to continue its strong offensive play as it hosted the Wheaton Thunder in the first round game of the Cal Bergsma Memorial Tournament.
The Knights came out firing on all cylinders as they were able to pressure the Wheaton keeper early and often. Less than a minute into the game, freshmen Dino Duratovic was able to put a shot on net that was saved by the Wheaton goalie. Wheaton would quickly counter, but the ensuing shot was wide of the net. With just under 40 minutes to play in the first half, Duratovic had another opportunity on net, but this was also saved.
The game would become very physical as both sides were looking for the advantage in the match. Ball control seemed to be about 50/50, although Calvin was getting more opportunities on net. Sophomore Nick Holtrop would put a few shots on net, including a header off a free kick that was saved by the Wheaton keeper.
With under 10 minutes left, Calvin began to pepper the net as the Vegter brothers, senior Tyler and freshman Travis, began to pressure the Thunder.
A Wheaton foul with 3:48 remaining in the half would give the Knights a free kick at midfield. Taking the kick was sophomore Lawrence Murray, who put the ball into the box where it would bounce through the crowd and into the back of the net for the goal. The Knights would take the 1-0 lead into the half.
Heading into halftime, Calvin held a 17-5 shots advantage over the Thunder. Coming out of the break, Wheaton started to pressure the Knights back line a little more, finally gaining a slight upper hand in the Calvin zone.
With 38:28 left in the game, a Wheaton forward weaved past the Calvin defenders to the middle of the box. The Thunder player would then put a left-footed shot past a diving Michael Dolan, but the ball would go wide of the net, keeping the Knights 1-0 lead intact.
Just under 10 minutes later, Calvin would respond as Travis Vegter was able to steal the ball in Wheaton's half. The younger Vegter would weave through three Wheaton defenders before making his way into the box where he passed to his older brother, Tyler. Tyler took the pass, and with his left foot, put the ball at the far post and into the net for the goal and the 2-0 Calvin lead.
The teams continued to play with a lot of aggressiveness and physicality as both sides earned numerous free kicks and fouls. With 6:53, Wheaton found the
break it needed as a cross was put into the middle.
A Wheaton forward would then put a shot on net that was tipped up by keeper Michael Dolan. Wheaton's Drew Golz would then streak in and head the ball into the net to cut the lead to 2-1.
The game would fight back and forth until, with under a minute left, Wheaton earned a final chance off a Calvin penalty. The ensuing kick would find its way into the middle of the field where it was headed wide, and the clock would tick down to zeroes, giving Calvin the close win.
Overall, there were 11 yellow cards handed out in the physical matchup. The win puts Calvin at 4-2 on the season and extends its winning streak over Wheaton to four games. The Knights will continue their tournament play tomorrow as they host Madonna University at Zuidema Field at 4:00 p.m.
