CALVIN-OLIVET MEN'S SOCCER SMUGMUG PHOTO GALLERY
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Calvin men's soccer team claimed its second straight MIAA Tournament title, defeating Olivet 1-0 Saturday night at Zuidema Field.
The Knights receive the league's automatic bid to next week's NCAA III Tournament. The MIAA Tournament crown is Calvin's ninth overall.
Calvin fought off an upset-minded Olivet team that had already defeated No. 3 seed Hope (1-0) and No. 2 seed Trine (3-2) earlier in the tournament. The Olivet run came after Calvin had defeated the Comets 10-1 on October 25.
The Comets (5-7-6) hung back in a low block throughout the first half while playing for the counter-attack opportunity. Olivet kept the Knights off the scoreboard with Calvin's best first half chance coming in the 24
th minute as a corner kick led to a double-header with senior
Aguma Muhumuza (Baton Rouge, La./The Dunham School) getting the second head on the ball. Muhumuza's diving header was cleared off the back line by an Olivet defender for a team save.
Calvin struck early in the second half however with a rush into the box by senior
Zach Flowerday (Holland, Mich./Holland Christian HS) that was ignited by a lead chip by senior teammate
Evan Nieuwenhuis (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian HS). Flowerday was able to the chip the ball over an onrushing Olivet goalkeeper for the only goal of the game.
Olivet came out of its low block as the second half progressed, attempting to find the equalizer but Calvin's defensive held strong to preserve the shutout win.
Calvin finished with a 15-6 shots at goal advantage. Senior
Daniel Wunder (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) went the distance to pick up his 38
th collegiate shutout victory.
COACHES COMMENT: "This was a re-energize, re-dedicated University of Olivet team," said Calvin head men's soccer coach
Ryan Souders. "Unbelievable credit to their coaching staff and team for a great tournament run and pushing us tonight but our guys found a way. It wasn't our best. It wasn't our prettiest but we'll take the win, the title and look forward to seeing our name Monday afternoon."
NEXT UP: Calvin will now turn its attention to the NCAA III Tournament with the tournament field set to be announced Monday at 2 p.m. (EST) on NCAA.com
