ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College men's soccer team turned in a strong performance against No. 14 Calvin University on Wednesday, remaining within one goal throughout a narrow 1-0 loss at Docking Stadium.
Adrian came out ready to compete against the nationally ranked Knights. Doudou Sambe recorded the Bulldogs' first scoring opportunity in the 11th minute, forcing the Calvin goalkeeper to make a save. Adrian continued applying pressure and earned three corner kicks during the opening half.
Calvin scored the match's only goal in the 24th minute when Matt Torrell found the back of the net off an assist from Colin Nieuwenhuis. The Bulldogs responded well after falling behind, keeping the Knights off the scoreboard for the final 66 minutes of the contest.
Adrian goalkeeper Eli Sizemore and the Bulldog defense delivered a determined effort against Calvin's attack. Sizemore made four saves during the first half before adding five more after halftime to finish with nine saves. Adrian held the Knights scoreless throughout the second half and remained within striking distance until the final whistle.
The Bulldogs continued searching for the equalizer late in the match. Kyle Peterson produced one of Adrian's final opportunities in the 85th minute, but his attempt went just over the top-left corner of the goal.
Adrian finished the afternoon with six shots, led by Jack Pelton with two. Sambe recorded the Bulldogs' lone shot on goal, while Carter Kerbawy, Peterson and Nick Miller each added an attempt.
The Bulldogs move to 4-5-1 overall and 0-1 in MIAA play. Adrian returns to Docking Stadium on Saturday, October 10, for a 4 p.m. match against Hope College on Senior Night.
