By Sports Information Student Kory Shackle
ANGOLA, Ind.-- The season finale for the Thunder was a nail biter, just like the whole season has been. The Thunder fell to the Hornets of Kalamazoo by a score of 2-1.
The loss ends Trine's season at a record of 3-14-2 overall and 1-12-1 in the MIAA. The win makes Kalamazoo 8-9-1 overall and 6-7-1 in the MIAA. Trine was outshot 25-4 in the game, but the score does not show that. Thunder goalkeeper Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) had a very busy day, where he managed to produce 11 saves.
The first half was filled with rare action as only 5 shots were produced, all by the Hornets. Trine did not give in to the Hornets, and the first half was played very physical. There were 15 fouls called in the first half alone. (8-Kzoo, 7-Trine)
The second half was filled with a lot of shots, and high intensity between both teams. The Thunder scored in the 59th minute to get on the board first. The chance was created by Daniel Kuehn (Saline, Mich./Saline) as he was able to get behind the defense and make a nice pass to Bill Wilson (Mason, Mich./Mason). Wilson then executed the pass and put it in the back of the net, putting Trine up 1-0. Then in the 69th minute, Kalamazoo's Roger Darling was able to send a long cross that connected with Kyle Hernandez, where he headed it in. The Thunder would then see the heart-breaking goal go in during the 87th minute. Noah Bushaw of Kalamazoo was able to get it over Chris Stewart and connect on the game winning goal.
The game saw 21 fouls total (Trine-10, Kzoo-11) and four yellow cards.