by Robert Youngs, Jr.
The Kalamazoo College women's soccer team defeated visiting Alma on Wednesday, 2-1. The Scots were ranked No. 24 in the most recent (Sept. 25) National Soccer Coaches' Association of America national poll.
Bjargey Olafsson scored in the 72nd minute just inside the 18-yard box on an assist from Maya Smolcic. Olafsson's first game-winning goal of the season sent Alma to its first conference loss.
K opened the scoring on a fifth minute goal by senior forward Jackie Short on an assist from Alex Groffsky. Alma answered with an equalizer from forward Mackenzie Smith in the 18th minute, assisted by defender Samantha Waldrop.
The Hornets had numerous chances shortly thereafter, putting two of three shots on target in the 21st, 22nd and 23rd minutes. Alma countered in the 24th minute, but freshman keeper Lucy Mailing was there to end the threat, picking up the ball from a defensive header.
Michelle Bustamante crossed the six-yard box with a free kick in the 27th minute, but the Hornets could not score it. Jenna Sexton snuffed out a chance for the Scots in the 38th minute, taking the ball away from forward Taryn Handyside and starting back the other way.
Karen Timm made a pair of goal-saving plays in the 39th and 42nd minutes, kicking away a crossing service from Alma's Handyside and also defensively heading away a short service ball.
Short had two chances in the second half to put K ahead, first on a 20-yard shot in the 57th minute that was saved by Alma keeper Morgan Waier. In the 63rd minute, Short put a shot attempt from Timm and Emily Gray wide.
Smolcic attempted to add some insurance for the Hornets, putting two shots in the 77th minute wide right. An 87th minute chance by Stephanie Verbeek from Jenna Sexton was also not to be, as Waier made another save.
"I've been really happy with our energy, and they've always come out ready to play," said Kalamazoo head coach Bryan Goyings. "Alma came out in the second half and challenged us, but we stepped up to it."
Goyings also heaped praise onto his back line of Sexton, Timm, Bustmante, and Jordan Meeth.
Short put three of four shots on net and C.J. McCarthy put four of seven on net. Mailing collected three shots on four faced and Waier saved seven of nine.
The Hornets outshot Alma 16-6 and won four corner kicks to the Scots' one.
Kalamazoo improves to 6-3-0 overall and 4-2-0 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play. Alma falls to 7-2-1 overall and 4-1-1 in league action.
"Our goal is to be in the top four for the conference tournament," said Goyings. "I think, to come out and get a result against Alma, speaks highly of our team."
Kalamazoo will be home again on Sept. 29 for Soccer Celebration Day as the women host Saint Mary's (Ind.) at Noon. The Hornets men's soccer team will face Calvin at 3:00 p.m.