Box Score GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Calvin suffered its first defeat of the 2021 fall season, falling to the visiting Firebirds of Carthage College Saturday night at Zuidema Field.
Carthage (3-1-1) scored the only goal of the game in the 66th minute of play, converting a one-two combination play in the box that broke a scoreless deadlock.
Calvin (3-1-2) nearly broke through for the first goal of the game in the third of minute of play as senior Mason Smith (Flint, Mich./Powers Catholic HS) broke free in the top of the box on a rush and slipped a low shot that was saved by Carthage keeper Christian Lekki.
Carthage pushed back with two shots of its own, forcing Calvin junior goalkeeper Daniel Wunder (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) into making back-to-back saves.
In the ninth minute, Carthage was awarded a penalty kick but Wunder was up to the task, making an acrobatic save on the spot kick to keep the game scoreless.
Calvin nearly took the lead in the final minute of the first half as a shot by junior Jack Kilgallon rang off the crossbar and was cleared away by the Carthage defense.
The two sides trade four shots apiece early in the second half before the Firebirds broke through for the lead.
Calvin had a free kick by junior Ethan Harvey (Naperville, Il./Naperville North HS) redirected into the net for the apparent tying goal in the 71st minute but the goal was waived off by a foul call on Calvin in the box.
The Knights threatened but did not score from that point on as Carthage held on for the win.
Carthage held a 20-10 shots at goal advantage. Wunder had seven saves in goal for the Knights.
NEXT UP: Calvin will travel to Alma on Wednesday for a non-conference game scheduled to start at 4 p.m.
