KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's soccer team hosted Olivet for its MIAA opener on Wednesday evening (Oct. 5). After conceding a goal in the 74th minute, a strike by Michele Alia 10 minutes later even the score to produce a 1-1 tie with the Comets.

Seven shots were taken between both teams in the first half and only one had a chance at scoring, taken by the Hornets. Kalamazoo and Olivet battled it out in the midfield for most of the first 45 minutes as each team tried to keep possession. This back-and-forth led to no goals being scored before halftime.

The Hornets were on the offensive in the second stanza, as a total of 11 shots were taken. However, the lone shot on goal for the game for the Comets turned into the first goal. At the 74-minute mark, a pass from the goal line to the middle of the box ended up in the lower right-hand part of the net. Fortunately for Kalamazoo, this deficit did not last long as Michele Alia scored with six minutes remaining in the game. Alia dribbled his way to the box of the box and unleashed a bender that ended up in the upper left-hand corner. A couple more chances for the Hornets were unable to give them the lead, resulting in the draw.

Gavin Houtkeeper was back in the net after a three-game absence, with the only shot he faced resulting in a goal. Kalamazoo finished with more shots (17-4) and corner kicks (7-2), while Carthage had more corner kicks (3-0), and both teams had 12 fouls each.

The Hornets continue MIAA play with a road test against Trine. Kalamazoo will travel to Angola, Ind., on Saturday (Oct. 8), with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.