By Mitch Blankespoor
HOLLAND, Mich. – After winning 3-0 at Calvin Oct. 4, the Kalamazoo College men's soccer team put itself in a position to win its second consecutive road game. The Hornets led the Flying Dutchmen of Hope College 2-1 with 12 minutes remaining in regulation. Hope, who fell to K last year 2-1 at Van Andel Soccer Stadium, equalized with eight minutes remaining in regulation and scored the game-winning goal less than a minute into the second overtime to defeat the Hornets 3-2.
"Despite the result, I am happy with the way we played," Kalamazoo Head Coach Lumumba Shabazz said. "We know we can play with anyone anywhere."
After a scoreless first half, Hope broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. A cross from Jason Muller found the head of Logan Sikkenga to give the Flying Dutchmen a 1-0 lead.
Kalamazoo answered eight minutes later. Freshman William Bennick used a cross from sophomore Roger Mason Darling and beat Hope goalkeeper Ethan Beswick. The game was tied at one with 15 minutes remaining.
In the 76th minute, it was Darling's turn to score. The Suttons Bay native scored on a looping header from 10 yards out.
In the 79th minute, Muller added a goal to his assist. The Hope senior scored on a 25-yard free kick beating Hornet goalkeeper Beau Prey far side.
The two Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) foes could not break the tie after 90 minutes. Kalamazoo fired several shots in the first overtime, but none could find target.
In the first minute of the second overtime, a ball was sent into the Hornet box. Unable to clear, Tarwo Konbloa provided the knockout blow flicking a shot past Prey.
Hope outshot Kalamazoo 20-17 in the contest despite the Hornets leading the Flying Dutchmen 9-7 at halftime. Prey was credited with five saves in the loss.
"We don't get too high from of victories or too low from defeats," Shabazz said. "We are playing with a young team. To come into a place like this and play well is very satisfying. I am proud of the boys."
Kalamazoo concludes the first round of MIAA play Saturday, Oct. 12, when the Hornets host the Trine University Thunder at 2:30 p.m.