by Alan Babbitt

Matt Davidson's first collegiate goal was not enough for the Hope College men's soccer team in a 2-1 loss to Kalamazoo College on Saturday at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

The Flying Dutchmen had their five-game winning streak end and fell to 5-2-1 on the season. The game did not count toward the MIAA standings.

Kalamazoo (5-2-1 overall) rode two second-half goals from forward Emilio Rono.

The Hornets first capitalized on Hope's attempt to clear by kicking the ball back toward the center of the field near its penalty area.

Chad Ewing picked off the ball and set up Romo for a 1-0 lead 2 minutes, 8 seconds into the second half.

Nearly 13 minutes later, Kalamazoo quickly moved the ball upfield beginning with a long goal kick. After a short scrum, Rono buried a right-footed kick from about 35 yards out into the top right corner of the goal.

Hope answered 1:50 after Davidson (Grand Ledge, Michigan / Grand Ledge), pictured, ripped a right-footed kick following a cross from Jake Lyon (Marshall, Michigan / Marshall).

The Flying Dutchmen finished with a 15-13 edge in shots, but Kalamazoo goalie Grant Houtkooper only needed to make two saves.

Hope's net game is Wednesday, Sept. 29, against Olivet College. The kickoff is 7 p.m. at Van Andel Soccer Stadium. The game will not count toward the MIAA standings.