(Photo courtesy of Paulson Photography)

ALBION, Mich. – The Calvin women's soccer team dropped its first conference game, falling 2-0 Wednesday night at Albion College. 

The game started with Albion putting the pressure on Calvin's defense in the early minutes of the match. The Britons were able to capitalize and score first in the game to take a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute of play. Calvin tried to answer with sophomore Sophie Mueller (North Muskegon, MI / North Muskegon) coming close with an opportunity, but an Albion defender made the block to stop the chance. 

Calvin started to get some energy on the field and put the pressure on the Britons with good possessions coming together. Sophomore Kaitlyn Van Laare (Toronto, ON / Toronto District Christian) had another nice chance for the Knights, but Albion's keeper made the save. The Knights struggled to get more good looks as the Britons defense was holding off their attacks in the first half. 

The Knights had one last opportunity before halftime with Rory Pruis (Grand Rapids, MI / Grand Rapids Christian) getting a head on the ball, but it just missed the upper left-hand corner. The game went into halftime with Albion leading Calvin 1-0. 

The second half began with back-and-forth possession. Albion once again was the first team to score in the second half to give the Britons a 2-0 lead. 

In the last fifteen minutes of the game, Calvin had a few good looks with Talia List (Plymouth, MI / Salem) hitting one just high over the crossbar.  Sophomore Elizabeth Williams (Grand Rapids, MI / Grand Rapids) followed with a low shot that was saved by the Albion goalkeeper. 

The Knights couldn't come away with a goal and fell to Albion on the road for this first conference loss of the season. Calvin falls to 11-3 overall on the season and 5-1-0 in the MIAA.

COACHES COMMENT: "Tough result for us on the road tonight," said Calvin head women's soccer coach Emily Ottenhoff. "Credit Albion. They came out hard and took advantage of their opportunities. We need to regroup for another tough match on Saturday against Adrian." 

UP NEXT: The Knights will host Adrian on Saturday October 23 at 7 p.m. at Zuidema Field. The match will serve as Senior Night for Calvin's senior class.