KALAMAZOO, Mich. - After scoring just five goals in its first six games of the season, the Kalamazoo College men's soccer team exploded for four goals in a 4-0 victory over Albion.
After 20 minutes of relatively even play, Kalamazoo broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Freshman Dylan Jolliffe headed a ball off of a cross from the near side which was saved by Briton goalkeeper Andrew Bobowski. The rebound, however, came right back to Jolliffe who hamered the ball into the top corner of the net from five yards out.
The Hornets would be outshot 12-8 in the first 45 minutes of play, but took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Albion also held an advantage in corner kicks earned, 4-1.
Similar to the Adrian game, we had our chances in the first half," Kalamazoo Head Coach Lumumba Shabazz said in a post-game interview. "We only came up with a single goal. We needed to put the game away in the second half."
That's exactly what the Hornets did. Freshman midfielder Kyle Hernandez scored on a 12 yard shot far side in the 53rd minute.
Junior midfielders Spencer McDonald and Werner Roennecke added goals in the final ten minutes to make the final score 4-0.
The game featured a physical brand of soccer. Kalamazoo committed 19 fouls to 16 for the Britons. Albion received four yellow cards while the Hornets received one.
Kalamazoo outshot Albion 20-16 in the contest. Freshman goalkeeper Kellon Johnston Roper recorded his first collegiate victory and shutout.
"We settled the game down in the second half," said Shabazz. "I thought our defense earned the shutout today. Willie [Benneck] and Jordan [Viellette] sacrificed themselves for the team. They played hard."
With its win, Kalamazoo imroves to 3-4-0 on the season and 1-2-0 in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). The Hornets return to action Oct. 1 when they host the Alma Scots.