GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Calvin claimed the annual Battle of the Beltline, defeating Cornerstone 2-0 Wednesday night at Zuidema Field in a non-conference soccer matchup.

Separated by less than five miles on M-37, the two East Beltline institutions met on the soccer pitch for the first time on the newly revamped Zuidema Field.

Calvin (4-3-0) dominated possession in Wednesday's victory. scoring a goal in each half.

Calvin peppered the Cornerstone goal in the first half and finally broke through for the go-ahead score in the 35^th minute on a nifty one-two combination between senior Alex White (Lake Bluff, Il./Lake Forest Academy) and freshman Colin Nieuwenhuis (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian HS). White sent a quick through ball to Nieuwenhuis through the left side of the 18-yard box. The lead pass sprung Nieuwenhuis for a shot in close that he tucked past Cornerstone goalkeeper Roberto Gutierrez for a 1-0 Calvin lead.

Calvin continued to dominate possession in the second half with the Golden Eagles threatening with a small handful of counterattacks. In the 77^th minute, sophomore Quinten Latchett (Houston, Tx./Bellaire HS) came up with the game-sealing goal, rising above the Cornerstone back line near the six-yard box to received a well-served ball from freshman James Jackson (Cleves, Oh./Saint Xavier HS). With a powerful header, Latchett sent a shot into the far corner of the net to give the Knights a 2-0 advantage. The goal was the first of Latchett's collegiate career.

Calvin finished the match with a 24-3 shots at goal advantage including 11-1 in the first half.

Seniors Kaelen Matascastillo (New Kensington, Pa./Minnesota Virtual Academy) and Zac Moore (Pilesgrove, NJ/Woodstown HS) split time in goal with Matascastillo going the first 45 minutes, recording one save. Moore went the final 45 minutes and also had one save.

Gutierrez was busy for Cornerstone, producing 11 saves.

Wednesday's match marked Calvin's first home contest since August 31. The Knights are now 3-0-0 at Zuidema Field this season.

COACHES COMMENT: "It's always good to win the Battle of the Beltline and it was great to be back home," said Calvin head men's soccer coach Ryan Souders. "Cornerstone is always well-coached and comes ready to compete and tonight was no different. I thought we did a good job of moving the ball and creating chances. The first goal was a nice combination play and the goal by Quinten was a classic and one he will remember when he thinks back on his first collegiate goal. It was great to get a lot of guys involved tonight and see them contribute the way they did. Now we turn our attention to a challenging opponent from Ohio on Saturday."

NEXT UP: Calvin will host the University of Mount Union on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Zuidema Field.