GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A new-look Calvin offensive attack provided plenty of firepower in a 4-0 season-opening win over visiting LeTourneau University Friday night at Zuidema Field.
Having lost 47 goals due to graduation, the Knights were out to prove they could still play an attacking game and they did just that, outshooting LeTourneau 29-6 while scoring a pair of goals in each half.
Calvin played off the front foot from the opening whistle and found the back of the net just 1:18 into the match as junior
Jonah Meyer-Crothers (Sylvania, Oh./Sylvania Northview HS) headed in a crossing pass from sophomore teammate
Foster Garrett (Canton, Mich./Salem HS).
The Knights continued to dominate possession and just missed a pair of point-blank chances over the next 25 minutes. In the 33
rd minute, Calvin went to the air again with sophomore
Quinten Latchett (Houston, Texas Bellaire) heading a ball over the LeTourneau backline with senior
Jacob Goodling (Charlotte, N.C. Covenant Day School) moving into position to collect the Latchett pass and head a shot of his own over the goalkeeper and into a wide-open net for a 2-0 Calvin lead.
The Knights continued to threaten and broke through in the 82
nd minute as freshman
Colin Nieuwenhuis (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian HS) lofted a shot from the right side of the six-yard box into the net after a one-two passing combination between freshmen
Jake Ziolo (Dublin, Ohio Dublin Jerome) and
Quinn Graham (Skokie, Ill. Niles North) set up the opportunity.
Graham joined the scoring brigade in the 88
th minute as he banged in a penalty kick after being fouled near the top of the 18-yard box moments before.
Calvin enjoyed 85 percent of the possession of the ball throughout the match with the Knights winning numerous 50-50 duels up-and-down the Zuidema pitch.
Senior
Kaelen Matascastillo (New Kensington, Pa. Minnesota Virtual Academy) was stellar in goal for the Knights, posting four saves in recording the shutout victory.
Calvin also finished the match with a 14-3 advantage in corner kicks.
COACHES COMMENT: "Really happy to get the three points tonight," said Calvin head men's soccer coach
Ryan Souders. "LeTourneau was a really committed side and made things difficult for us at times tonight. Glad to see some scoring across the board and as always, really excited to get the shutout. Quick turnaround as we face a challenging Lake Forest team tomorrow."
NEXT UP: Calvin will host Lake Forest College Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Zuidema Field.
