By Mark DeHaan

The Knights played host to Trine University on a cool Thursday afternoon. The Knights entered at 1-2 while the Thunder were 3-1.

After falling to Alma 2-1 in overtime on Monday, Calvin's losing streak continued with a 1-0 defeat to Trine.

The first half saw almost no offensive pressure from the Knights, and as a result, the Thunder were able to take the lead.

In the 26th minute, Trine midfielder Sydney Reichenbaugh took a pass at the top of the box and put a shot on goal that beat the Calvin keeper.

Just before half, the Thunder had another shot on frame, but the ball hit the top of the post and bounced away, keeping the Knights deficit at one goal.

At the break, Calvin held a 3-2 shots advantage, although none of the Knights shots were on goal. Calvin also held a 4-0 edge in corner kicks.

In the second half, the Knights were able to pressure the Trine defense more than they had in the first.

Calvin's best chance came in the 70th minute. Junior Paige Capel worked her way along the end line to the goal where a shot she put on frame was saved. Getting her own rebound, Capel passed to sophomore Carly Veenstra, whose ensuing shot was off the post and out of bounds.

In the final 20 minutes, Calvin had four more shots on goal, but all of them were at Trine keeper Skyler Reed as she held the Knights scoreless and the Thunder shocked Calvin at Zuidema Field.

"I thought we executed very slowly in the first half, and we weren't making crisp, efficient use of our touches," said head coach Mark Recker. "The idea of growing in mental toughness is something these first couple games are starting to teach us."

Calvin falls to 1-3 and 0-2 in the MIAA while Trine moves to 4-1 and 2-0 in conference play.
The Knights play one final non-conference contest on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. when Wheaton College travels to Grand Rapids. The Thunder were ranked second in the country in the latest top 25 poll.

Calvin's conference season continues at home next Tuesday against St. Mary's.