ALMA, Mich. – The Trine University men's soccer team defeated Alma College on Wednesday night, 3-1. The win gives the team plenty of momentum heading into the postseason having won their last three regular season matches.
The Thunder finish 9-7-1 overall and 4-2-1 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play, making them the number four seed in the upcoming conference tournament. With the loss, the Scots fall out of postseason contention at 3-13 and 1-6.
The team's leading goal scorer Tyler Murphy [Greenfield, Ind. / Greenfield Central] was on it once again in the closing match of the regular season. He scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season in the first half of play with two long-range missiles.
The first came in the 24th minute after attempts by Connor Malmquist [Valparaiso, Ind. / Morgan Township], Francesco Mazzei [Dearborn, Mich. / Dearborn] and Koen Droese [Pickerington, Ohio / Pickerington Central] were all on goal, but saved.
Murphy was able to extend the lead to 2-0 with a repeat performance in the 35th minute. The Thunder were able to put all seven first half shots on goal and outshot Alma 7-1.
The Scots were pushing more in the second half to try to keep their postseason hopes alive, but to no avail. Alhusain Yahya [Melvindale, Mich. / Melvindale] was able to score in the 78th minute to make it 3-0, but Alma countered with a goal just 15 seconds later to get to the 3-1 final.
Troy Saylor [Caledonia, Mich. / Caledonia] received the win in net with three saves.
Up next for the Thunder is their home playoff matchup against the Albion College Britons. That match will take place on Saturday, October 30 at 7 pm on Shive Field.