GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Calvin men's soccer team claimed a wild 6-1 victory over an upset-minded Trine University side Saturday night at Zuidema Field.

 

Ranked second nationally, Calvin (12-0-0 overall, 8-0-0 MIAA) took a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute on a goal by sophomore Hunter Olson (Canton, Mich./Canton HS). The play began with a long pass from the backfield by junior Trent Vegter (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian HS) that sprung Olson free on a breakaway. With Trine goalkeeper Connor Werschem charging off his line, Olson lobbed a shot over Werschem's head from 35 yards out to put the Knights on the board.

 

Strong wind and rain began to pelt Zuidema Field shortly after and Trine (5-3-3 overall, 3-3-2 MIAA) took advantage with a quick counter-attack to level the score.

 

Kurt Wysocki came free on the play on a through ball pass from Tristen Ortiz and deposited a shot into the right hand corner to tie the game in the 29th minute of play.

 

With rain pouring down in the second half, Calvin senior Mitch Stark (South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon HS) stepped up for the Knights, ripping home a shot from the top of the box on a cross from junior Jacob Witte (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS). The goal was the first of the year for Stark and gave Calvin a 2-1 lead in the 53rd minute of play.

 

Calvin maintained its one-goal lead until the final eight minutes when the Knights exploded for four goals.

 

Vegter gave the Knights a 3-1 lead with a stunning 25 yard blast into the upper right hand corner of the net with 7:37 remaining. 

 

Junior Bobby McCaw (Dubuque, Ia./Hempstead HS) scored in the 84th and 88th minute. Matt Hinds (Frankenmuth, Mich./Frankenmuth HS) assisted on the first McCaw goal with sophomore Reid Culberson (Wheaton, Il./Wheaton Academy HS) assisting on the second score.  

 

The pair of goals by McCaw extended his goal-scoring streak to eight games. 

 

Senior Francisco Jay Noyola (East Lansing, Mich./Lansing Christian HS) closed out the scoring in the 90th minute off a double assist by Vegter and freshman Shaeffer Smith (Columbus, Oh./Worthington Christian HS).

 

Calvin finished the match with a 25-6 shots at goal advantage. Senior Nate Van Ryn (Grandville, Mich./Calvin Christian HS) picked up the win in goal for the Knights, collecting one save.

 

Calvin returns to action next Wednesday when it travels to rival Hope for a 7 p.m. match.