KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's soccer team captured its first win of the 2022 season against Concordia (Mich.) on Tuesday evening (Sept. 6) At MacKenzie Field. The Hornets jumped on the Cardinals early with a goal in the first 10 minutes, and then the defense held on to complete the 1-0 shutout win.
Kalamazoo had constant pressure in the offensive zone against Concordia for the first 30 minutes of the game. Then, in the eighth minute, Jaden Buist capitalized on an opportunity in the box for his first goal of the season. After gathering a cross on the right side of the box from Henry Plumstead, Buist got control of the ball, split two defenders, and made a spin move around the last man to cash in the goal to the lower right corner of the net. After that, the defense did not let the Cardinals into the attacking third of the field by only allowing one shot in the half. The Hornets took that 1-0 lead into the half after creating eight shots, with two on the net.
The back line of Travis Barclay, Evan Pollens-Voigt, Paul Kearis, and Jake Lynett for Kalamazoo clamped down harder in the second half as Concordia did not record a single shot. However, the Hornets kept creating offensive opportunities as shots would barely miss high and wide, with one even hitting the crossbar. Unfortunately, none of those shots hit the back of the net, but Kalamazoo held on to take the 1-0 victory.
Gavin Houtkooper (1-2) did not see a shot on frame from the Concordia but picked up his first shutout of the season and sixth of his career. Kalamazoo totaled more shots (19-1), corner kicks (9-1), and fouls (13-11), while the Cardinals had more saves (5-0).
Kalamazoo will travel to Ada, Ohio, to face Ohio Northern on Friday (Sept. 9), with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.