GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. -- The Trine University men's soccer team traveled north to take on Calvin (Mich.) University in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association game, but were shut out by the Knights, 3-0, at Zuidema Field.
The first goal of the game wouldn't come until late in the first half, but both teams got shots off early. Calvin (2-1, 1-0 MIAA) had a pair of shots on net to open the first 20 minutes, but both attempts were stopped by Trine (5-2, 0-1 MIAA) goalkeeper Troy Saylor (Caledonia, Mich./Caledonia). The Thunder also took two shots during the same time period, but one was blocked and the other sailed wide.
It wasn't until just past the 34th minute that the Knights got a shot past Saylor and took a 1-0 lead. In the final minutes of the period, Calvin struck again, this time with a goal at the 42:05 minute mark which gave the Knights a little breathing room at the intermission by a margin of 2-0.
Trine looked to step up its offensive attack in the second half and recorded its first shot on goal just 35 seconds in by sophomore Colin Nicoski (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield East). It was one of two scoring attempts for the Thunder in the first 15 minutes, but the result of both shots ended in saves by Calvin. The home squad also looked to pad its lead with several shots, including one that was on net and was saved by Saylor, keeping the margin at two scores.
Nearing the midway point of the period, Calvin tacked on another goal during the 68th minute to extend the advantage to a sizeable three goals. The score was the final point in the game by either team as the Knights kept the Thunder scoreless to preserve the shutout victory.
Saylor finished the game with seven saves for Trine in net. He faced a total of 10 shots in 90 minutes played.
Trine will return to Angola to take on Olivet (Mich.) College in a MIAA matchup next Tuesday, Mar. 30 at Weaver Field. The game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.