ANGOLA, IND. -- For the second straight game, the Trine University men's soccer team took on Alma (Mich.) College, but this time, it was in a first round game of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament as the third seed at Weaver Field in Angola, Ind.
After defeating the Scots, 4-0, earlier in the week on Tuesday (Oct. 23), the Thunder came away with a 2-1 victory this afternoon to advance to the semifinal round with both goals scored by sophomore Nooh Aljabaly (Coldwater, Mich./Coldwater).
Trine (13-3-1) struck first when Aljabaly tallied his first goal (unassisted) during the 14th minute of the first half. Just before the end of the half, Alma (5-11) netted the equilizer at the 42:21 mark on a header to make the score, 1-1. Both teams took nine shots in the frame, but the two teams went into halftime deadlocked at a goal apiece.
In the second half, the game looked to be headed to a possible overtime period until Aljabaly was taken down in the goal box late during the 82nd minute, setting up a penalty shot opportunity. Aljabaly was able to convert the attempt and the Thunder defense was able to prevent the Scots from taking a shot the rest of way en route to Trine capturing a 2-1 victory.
Freshman goalkeeper Taylor Medina (Mill Creek, Ind./Rochester) picked up the win, playing all 90 minutes and having a season-high eight saves.
Trine will advance to take on second-seeded Adrian (Mich.) College on Tuesday, Oct. 30 in Adrian, Mich. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.