KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's soccer team played its home opener against Olivet Nazarene, who is ranked #20 in the NAIA national poll, on Tuesday (Sept. 5). The Hornets picked up their second win and shutout of the season, defeating the Tigers 2-0.
Kalamazoo went back to the starting lineup from the first game of the season with Gavin Houtkooper, Colin Halloran, Shun Yonehara, Aidan Gillig, Michele Alia, Paul Kearis, Henry Plumstead, Emilio Romo, Chad Ewing, Antoine Kondracki, and Jake Lynett.
The Hornets struck early in the first half, scoring the eventual game-winning goal in the ninth minute. Yonehara sent a corner kick in from the left corner to the back corner as Gillig put a header inside the right post. ONU was able to shoot the ball seven times, but none of them were on target. Kalamazoo took the 1-0 lead into halftime.
The play continued to go back and forth as the total shots went up. The Hornets had 12 shots compared to the Tigers nine, and the insurance goal was scored in the 84th minute. Jordon Larco sent a through ball past the Tiger back line from midfield as Plumstead tucked his shot inside the right post.
Olivet Nazarene held advantages in shots (16-15), corner kicks (9-5), and saves (4-3), while the Hornets committed more fouls (13-7).
Kalamazoo will be back in action tomorrow (Sept. 6) at MacKenzie Field for a matchup against Aquinas, beginning at 7 p.m.