GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Calvin men's soccer team opened its 2022 campaign in winning fashion, downing the University of Redlands 4-3 in a matchup of nationally-ranked teams.

Calvin entered the season opener ranked 9^th nationally while Redlands came in ranked 12^th.

The visiting Bulldogs were on the front foot in the opening minutes and struck for a goal just 1:11 into the match as Ethan Kovach found space near the top of the box and tucked a low hard shot inside the near post.

Calvin leveled the score 1-1 in the 24^th minute as junior Oliver Akintade () moved through the right side of the box and slid a pass to the far post that junior Kadin Shaban (Jenison, Mich./Unity Christian HS) deposited into the back of the net for his first Calvin goal.

A miscue in the Calvin defensive end six minutes later led to an own goal and put the visiting Bulldogs up 2-1 but the Knights answered in the 34^th minute as senior Chris Schau (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) was sandwiched by two defenders just outside the Redlands box, giving the Knights a dangerous free kick.

Senior Mason Smith (Flint, Mich./Powers Catholic HS) made good on the opportunity, whipping a shot into the top left-hand corner to tie the game 2-2.

The see-saw game continued however as Calvin hauled down a Redlands attacker just over a minute later, giving the Bulldogs a penalty kick. Jarrett Alexis Barajas converted the spot kick to give Redlands a 3-2 lead heading into halftime.

In the 53^rd minute, Calvin knotted the score 3-3 as senior Ethan Harvey () sent in a cross that was tapped back to Schau from Smith. Schau blasted a shot from the top of the box through a sea of defenders for the tying goal.

Two minutes later, Harvey sent a cross into that sophomore Jacob Goodling (Charlotte, NC/Covenant Day School) was able to redirect inside the far post to give the Knights a 4-3 advantage.

Calvin's defense withstood a late comeback bid by Redlands with senior goalkeeper Daniel Wunder (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) making a critical leg save on a shot in close.

Redlands outshot Calvin 23-14 but Wunder was able to come up with nine saves on a busy evening against a speedy Bulldog side.

COACHES COMMENT: "Really thankful to come out of here with a win tonight," said Calvin head men's soccer coach Ryan Souders. "Redlands is an outstanding team that will no doubt make a big run this year in this season. To the credit of our guys, they kept fighting back and found a way to come out on top. A big shout-out to the crowd tonight. Our students, parents and school administrators were all here in attendance and that means the world to our guys. We are so appreciative of that. The support gave our guys that extra boost on a night where everyone pulled together."

NEXT UP: Calvin will host Hardin-Simmons Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Zuidema Field. Hardin-Simmons played to a 1-1 draw at Hope on Friday night.