by Alan Babbitt

Midfielder Nic Kubert started a decisive run for the Hope College men's soccer team against an unbeaten opponent with a steal at midfield.

The junior from Rochester Hills, Michigan (Avondale HS) then successfully finished it moments later.

Kubert tucked a left-footed kick into the bottom right corner of the Washington University St. Louis net 5 minutes, 55 seconds into the second half. The conversion off of a cross from senior midfielder Griffin Bruso stood up in a 1-0 victory for the Flying Dutchmen on Wednesday afternoon at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Hope extended its win streak to three games. The preseason favorites in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association preseason coaches poll improved to 3-1-1 overall. And dropped Washington-St. Louis to 4-1.

The goal was Kubert's second of the season.

"I thought the goal was deserved. By the time we scored it, I felt we had been on the front foot," head coach Dave Brandt said. "They're a fantastic team. I'd rate them through the roof. I thought we played well."

The scoring opportunity developed when Kubert took possession in front of his bench and booted the ball over to senior midfielder Ryan Flynn (Bloomington, Illinois / Bloomington).

Flynn dribbled up the center of the field. Two passes later, Flynn sent the ball up the right side to a streaking Brett Dyer (Northport, Michigan / Northport).

Dyer crossed the ball toward the Washington-St. Louis goal. Bruso (Bloomington, Illinois / Bloomington) kept the forward progress going with a left heel kick to Kubert.

From 12 yards out, Kubert beat a diving Washington-St. Louis keeper with a low grounder into the net.

Watch Instagram TV interview with Nic Kubert

Brandt was happy to see his team's relentless attack pay off.

"I think our pressure was really effective today," Brandt said. "We played a lot of guys. I thought we were well organized. We had a good plan. That sort of pressing is tough to execute on a team that good. I knew it would be. We decided to gamble and go for it. Our guys did a nice job with it."

Both teams finished with 16 shots.

Hope goalkeeper Daniel Hesselbein posted his third shutout of the season. The freshman from Barrington, Illinois (Barrington Community) made six saves.

The Flying Dutchmen's next game is Saturday, Sept. 18 at Heidelberg University (Ohio). Kickoff is 4 p.m.