GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Calvin got back on the winning track with a 2-1 victory over non-conference rival Ohio Wesleyan Saturday night in front of nearly 700 fans at Calvin Soccer Stadium. One night after a disappointing 5-1 loss to MSOE, Calvin upped its intensity and willingness to compete against the Battling Bishops and the result was a hard-fought win. The victory evened the all-time series record between Calvin and Ohio Wesleyan as the two regional sides are now tied 10-10-2 in a series that dates back to 1980. Calvin has now won four of its last five meetings against Ohio Wesleyan.

Senior Jonah Meyer-Crothers (Sylvania, Oh./Sylvania Northview HS) got the Knights off on the front foot, winning a race to an errant Ohio Wesleyan clearing pass. Meyer-Crothers fought off a defender to move in on goal through the center and launched a shot from 20 yards out that beat Battling Bishop goalkeeper Sam Whitman high side. The goal came just 13:36 into the match and gave Calvin a 1-0 lead.

The rest of the first half remained hotly contested but neither side was able to score until after the break.

Calvin (1-1-0) took a 2-0 lead on a penalty kick by junior Matt Torrell (Webster, N.Y. / The Charles Finney School) in the opening minutes of the second half. The penalty kick was awarded due to a hand-ball foul by an Ohio Wesleyan defender.  Calvin returned the favor just 18 seconds later as a long Ohio Wesleyan clearance sailed into the Calvin backline. An errant Calvin pass gave the Battling Bishops a breakaway opportunity. The breakaway turned into a penalty kick as Calvin was whistled for a tripping penalty inside the penalty box. Ryan Betts slotted home the penalty for Ohio Wesleyan and the game was again renewed.

Calvin continued to press over the next 30 minutes, peppering the Ohio Wesleyan with shots at goal. Sophomore Colin Nieuwenhuis (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian HS) was particularly dangerous with several quality strikes including a shot in the 78^th minute that rang off the goalpost.

Ohio Wesleyan (0-2-0) had two shots and a corner kick inside the final five minutes but Calvin's defense held strong to secure the 2-1 win.

Both teams finished with 12 shots at goal. Senior Zac Moore (Pilesgrove, N.J./Woodstown HS) came up with three saves for Calvin to gain the win in goal.

COACHES COMMENT: "A really committed performance from the group tonight," said Calvin head men's soccer coach Ryan Souders. "The Calvin/Ohio Wesleyan men's soccer rivalry is a classic tilt and tonight was no different. It wasn't always pretty but our guys got it done. Happy to get the 3 points, and a little rest before we go on the road next weekend. As an aside, a huge thanks to our fans for their support tonight. We felt it and they were fantastic."

NEXT UP: Calvin will head to DePere, Wisconsin, next weekend, facing host St. Nobert next Friday at noon (CT) and Gustavus Adolphus on Saturday at 5 p.m. (CT) as part of a weekend tournament.