by Lenny Padilla

Dominick Byrne has a strong foot. And he proved it on Saturday night.

The Hope College senior defender drilled a penalty kick into the net to help the Flying Dutchmen shut out Aurora University, 2-0 in a non-conference game at the Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

"I'd rather be farther along, but it's early in the season," Hope coach Dave Brandt said of his offense. "That was a better performance all around."

The Flying Dutchmen improve to 2-1-1 after defeating Aurora (2-1-1), which on Friday played Calvin University to a scoreless draw in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

It was the first goal of the season for Byrne (Fremont, Michigan / Fremont HS) and the fourth of his career.  

Watch post-game interview with Dominick Byrne on Instagram

Byrne, pictured right, buried the penalty kick with 3 minutes, 52 seconds left in the first half after an Aurora foul in the box. 

"Dom is a smart, steady, intense player," Brandt said. "Any number of players could have taken it. But with the guys on the field, Dom was the best choice."

Griffin Bruso, pictured left, scored at the 64-minute mark to give Hope a 2-0 lead. It was the first goal of the season for the senior from Bloomington, Ill. (Normal Community). Bruso, a senior, now has four career goals.

Junior defender Jackson Strabel (Grand Rapids, Michigan / East Kentwood) registered the assist.

Hope keeper Daniel Hesselbein (Barrington, Ill. / Barrington Community) earned the shutout in net. He didn't face an official shot on goal. 

The Flying Dutchmen's next game is Wednesday, Sept. 15 at home against the University of Washington-St. Louis. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.