KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The 2021 Kalamazoo College spring men's soccer team is set to begin its season on March 19 at Hope College. The Hornets are back in action after the 2020 fall season was postponed due to Covid-19. The squad features four newcomers and 17 returning players.
Key Dates
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The Hornets travel to Hope on Friday, March 19 for their season opener.
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The home opener will be against Albion on March 25, followed by another home match against Alma on March 30.
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Kalamazoo opens the month of April on the road against Adrian on April 2 and at Trine on April 5.
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Two straight home games follow- Calvin on April 8 and Olivet on April 13.
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The regular season ends for the Hornets on April 16 at Hope.
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The MIAA Tournament begins Tuesday, April 20 and concludes on Thursday, April 22.
Returning Statistical Leaders
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Ben Meschke returns following a stellar junior season in which he led the Hornets in goals and points, and received All-MIAA and United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors (2019).
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Goalie Luke Kastran returns for his junior season. In 2019 he logged 1,030 minutes in goal with 50 saves and three shutouts.
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Mikey Schwartz and Alex Wallace are back as strong defensive players for the Hornets. The pair started in at least 15 games for Kalamazoo in 2019, and both were named All-MIAA at the conclusion of the season.
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Aidan Hurley led the Hornets in assists with five and returns for his senior season.
Head Coach Lumumba Shabazz
Coach Shabazz returns for his ninth season as head coach of the Hornet men's soccer team. He has compiled the second-most wins in school history (72) while leading Kalamazoo to a 72-60-16 record overall. During his time at Kalamazoo, 15 different players have been named All-MIAA selections including Kraeuter and Schwartz last season.
Quoting Coach Shabazz
"The circumstances surrounding training have been very challenging because we have not been able to operate within our normal parameters, but we are very grateful to have the opportunity to play the game we love again. We expect to be one of those teams challenging for the league title and will do our best to push our team's success to the next level."