Men’s soccer team blanks Trine, 1-0

OLIVET, Mich. -- The Olivet College men's soccer team defeated Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Trine (Ind.) University, 1-0, today at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet. The game featured two teams ranked in the NSCAA/HendrickCars.com Central Regional rankings, as Olivet entered the game No. 6 and Trine was No. 8. Coupled with Kalamazoo's 3-1 win over Adrian, Olivet moves into a tie for first-place in the MIAA standings with a 3-1-1 record.

There was no scoring in the first half. The Comets dented the scoreboard with its only goal at the 71:17 mark. On a play down the right flank, freshman Daniel Hampsten (Plainwell) overlapped freshman Alex Alvarez (Eastpointe/East Detroit), who slipped the ball to freshman Adam Wright (Wixom/Walled Lake Western). Wright then finished his shot to the near post for his first collegiate goal.

"I was so excited to get my first collegiate goal," said Wright. "I have had a lot of chances, but it feels good to get the first one. I am proud of myself and expect to do well. I hope that I can live up to those expectations."

Olivet finished the game with 17 shots to 13 for the Thunder. Wright topped the team with six shots, followed by Hampsten and freshman Fred Smyser (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Eastern) with two apiece. Senior Ethan Felsing (Mason) posted his seventh shutout of the season, recording three saves.

"I trust Ethan," said Wright. "He is a great teammate on and off the field, and the best keeper that I have ever played with."

"We had a fantastic effort against another regionally ranked team," said Olivet Head Coach Chad Wiseman. "We had a lot of excuses to be flat, but I am proud of how some guys stepped up and played. We have taken a lot of pride in our defense this year, and it shows since we have only given up one goal on our home field."

The Comets (8-2-1) will host Adrian College Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Prior to the men's game, the Olivet women will play Kalamazoo College at noon.