ALMA, Mich. – The 13
th-ranked Calvin men's soccer team cruised to a 4-0 victory at Alma Wednesday afternoon.
The Knights stretch their unbeaten streak to five games and are now 10-2-1 overall and 3-0-0 in the MIAA.
Calvin used set pieces to its advantage as three of its four goals were set piece tallies.
Calvin's opening goal came in the run of play as senior
Oliver Akintade (Lake Forest, Il./Lake Forest HS) squared a pass into the six-yard box that senior
Jacob Goodling (Charlotte, NC/Covenant Day School) was able to tap in for the go-ahead tally in the 26
th minute of play.
Senior
Reed Vanderlugt (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christan HS) got on the scoreboard in the 36
th minute, heading in a corner kick from junior
Alex White (Lake Bluff, Il./Lake Forest Academy). The VanderLugt score allowed the Knights to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
White served up a free kick from the right wing early in the second half that senior
Evan Nieuwenhuis (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian HS) was able to meet cleanly and head into the corner of the net. The Nieuwenhuis goal came in the 56
th minute.
Freshman
Carson Browning (Dublin, Oh./Dublin Jerome HS) closed out the scoring three minutes later, curling in a corner kick that alluded the Alma goalkeeper for the fourth and final goal of the match.
The Knights were able to bring in an wealth of players throughout the match as 21 Knights saw action in the win.
Calvin held a 25-4 shots at goal advantage. Senior
Daniel Wunder (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) had one save in picking up his fifth shutout of the season and the 34
th of his collegiate career.
COACHES COMMENT: "Always good to get a road wn in the MIAA," said Calvin head men's soccer coach
Ryan Souders. "Alma was really disciplined and tough to break down. I was glad our guys were able to find ways to score today. We'll rest up and look forward to celebrating our seniors on Saturday."
NEXT UP: Calvin will host Adrian on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Zuidema Field. The match will serve as Senior Night for Calvin's senior class.