ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College men's soccer team battled through difficult circumstances against a strong Kalamazoo College team on Wednesday, falling 3-1 at Docking Stadium. The Bulldogs played with 10 men for more than 70 minutes and finished the final 34 minutes with nine players but continued to compete until the final whistle.
Adrian generated early pressure before Kalamazoo opened the scoring in the 17th minute. The match shifted less than two minutes later when the Bulldogs received a red card and Kalamazoo converted the ensuing penalty kick to take a 2-0 lead.
Despite playing shorthanded, Adrian continued to create opportunities. Travis Zeleji placed three shots on goal during the opening half, while the Bulldogs earned five corner kicks. Kalamazoo added another goal before halftime to carry a 3-0 advantage into the break.
Adrian's challenge grew when it received a second red card in the 57th minute. The Bulldogs responded just four minutes later when Carter Kerbawy scored off an assist from Alex Russell to make it 3-1.
Playing with nine men, Adrian held Kalamazoo scoreless for the remainder of the match and outscored the Hornets 1-0 during the second half. The Bulldogs finished even with Kalamazoo in total shots at 9-9 while holding advantages of 6-5 in shots on goal and 6-2 in corner kicks.
Zeleji led Adrian with three shots on goal, while Eli Sizemore recorded three saves in net.
The Bulldogs move to 5-6-3 overall and 1-2-2 in MIAA play. Adrian returns to action on Saturday, October 24, when it travels to Albion College for a 12:30 p.m. conference match.
