KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's soccer team fell to Olivet College 1-0 in double overtime at MacKenzie Field Saturday, Oct. 19.
"It was a tough game decided by minor details," Kalamazoo Head Coach Lumumba Shabazz said. "I am proud of the boys for playing hard."
Despite the gameplay being wide open, not many shots were taken. In just over 105 minutes of play, Olivet only took 13 shots compared to 11 for Olivet.
Both teams hit the post in regulation, but Kalamazoo's best chance to score came in the first overtime. Sophomore Nicholas Shabino beat John Leutzinger and faked out goalie Ryan Grashik with another great move. His shot, however, sailed just over the bar.
Olivet's pressure earned the Comets a corner kick midway through the second overtime. Fred Smyser sent the ball into the Hornet box. Leutzinger fired a shot that was saved, but the rebound came right to Matt Meldrum who fired a shot into the open net.
"We did a good job of defending this afternoon, Shabazz said. "We just gave up one to many set pieces. It's tough when players are playing over 100 minutes of physical soccer."
Physical soccer it was. Kalamazoo was called for 21 fouls in the contest compared to eight for Olivet. Kalamazoo junior goalkeeper Beau Prey made seven saves in the loss.
Kalamazoo falls to 6-6-1 on the season and 4-4-1 in the MIAA. The Hornets next test comes Oct. 23 when K travels to Albion for a 4:00 p.m. contest.