by Eva Dean Folkert

Dominant in every statistical category on Thursday night in its MIAA season opener, the Hope College men's soccer team edged out Adrian College, 1-0, on the road.

Head coach Dave Brandt's Flying Dutchmen outshot the 0-5 Bulldogs by a large margin of 19-3, while shutting out Adrian in shots on goal, 7-0, and executing more corner kicks, 10-3, too. 

But one goal was all they needed in their first game in 495 days.

"It's been too long but we were glad to be playing today which was great," said Brandt.

After going scoreless in the first 45 minutes of play, Hope got on the board shortly after the halftime break. At the 50:34 mark, junior midfielder Ryan Flynn of Bloomington, Ill. (Bloomington HS), pictured right, received a pass in space in the middle from freshman midfielder Matt Wimmer of Farmington Hills, Mich. (Detroit Jesuit HS), pictured left, who was on the right flank. Flynn's resulting goal was a composed, controlled score.

"That's what we're missing in the first half," Brandt said. "Adrian away is a difficult game. They made it difficult for us to play against them, and they did the same thing against Calvin the other day as well. We also should have had three (goals) by halftime and that changes the complexion of a game when you don't score when you should score. So, if we put three in by halftime, the whole thing is different."

Hope's defense in the back had a solid night, keeping the Bulldogs away from meaningful scoring opportunities. Yet, Adrian kept the pressure on the Flying Dutchmen to the final horn.

"Adrian is what we call very direct, meaning they're going to play the ball over our heads any chance they get it," Brandt explained. "Though we did have control most of the game, there was always the threat over top. And of course, no matter how dominant you are, when you leave the score 1-0 in soccer, you have to worry. They had a corner literally in the last 10 seconds. And at 1-0, that's a huge concern. They made us play to the end."

Junior goalie Austin Cortes of Gurney, Ill. (Warren Township HS) made his first start in goal for the Flying Dutchmen.

Hope returns to action next Tuesday, March 30 when the team travels to Albion College for a 5 p.m. game against the Britons. No visiting spectators will be allowed.