GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Calvin opened its MIAA conference campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over the visiting Thunder of Trine University Wednesday night.
Wednesday's fixture featured a rematch of a 2021 MIAA Tournament semifinal contest won by Trine 1-0 at Calvin's Zuidema Field.
Calvin wasted little time in gaining the lead Wednesday night as freshman
Jacob Ryu (Naperville, Il./Naperville North HS) raced through the Trine backline on a slotted pass from senior
Chris Schau (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS). Ryu beat Trine's on-rushing goalkeeper to the ball and wacked a left-footed shot that found the far corner of the net for a 1-0 Calvin lead just 4:38 into the match.
In the 37
th minute, Calvin (9-1-2, 1-0-0 MIAA) doubled its lead on a goal from freshman
Evan Morrison (Canton, Mich./Canton HS). Morrison ran on to a ball near the top of the 18-yard box and hit a shot that deflected off the Trine goalkeeper and slowly rolled over the goal-line.
Trine (5-4-1 overall, 0-1-0 MIAA) pushed for a goal in the opening moments of the second half but the Knights were able to spring for the counter-attack. With Trine pressing forward, Schau was able to receive a lofted ball near midfield and with a whirling series of twists and turns, beat two defenders and then smashed a left-footed shot that rolled into the net. The Schau goal came just 1:15 into the second half and gave the Knights a 3-0 advantage.
Trine got a goal back in the in the 74
th minute but the Knights answered with a penalty kick goal by senior
Seamus Kilgallon (Plainfield, Il./Wheaton Academy) in the 76
th minute. The goal was the first of the year for Kilgallon.
Calvin finished with a 13-11 shots at goal advantage. Senior
Daniel Wunder (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) had two saves for the Knights in net to pick up the win.
COACHES COMMENT: "A great way to start the MIAA campaign, tonight," said Calvin head men's soccer coach
Ryan Souders. "Proud of our effort and really happy to have an important 3 points against a talented and well-coached Trine side. Now we need to rest up and quickly prepare for our match Saturday, which we know will be a difficult test."
NEXT UP: Calvin will travel to rival Hope on Saturday night for a 7 p.m. contest at Van Andel Stadium.