Griffin Brown's first half goal coupled with the solid defensive core secured the Flying Dutchmen's first win of the season, and head coach David Blahnik's first at Hope College. 

In the 1-0 win on the road against Carthage College on Wednesday, Brown's go-ahead goal was set up by Ben Bush (Spring Lake, Michigan / Spring Lake) with a corner kick. Bush's kick soared to the front of the net where Brown, a sophomore from Livonia, Michigan (Livonia Stevenson HS), would connect on a header to send the ball past the netminder at the 29:40 mark in the first half. 

"Griffin has been working incredibly hard, and Ben has as well so it was good to see both those guys get on the scoresheet tonight," remarked Blahnik. 

Brown's goal was his first of the season, with the assist from Bush being the sophomore 's first of his Hope career. 

The shutout on the road, a difficult task, led by centerback freshman Cole Pauly (Mundelein, Illinois / Mundelein), ends a five-game away stand on a good note. Sophomore Daniel Hesselbein (Barrington, Illinois / Barrington Community) stood tall in net making five saves, three in the second half alone. 

"Cole anchored our defense and just played awesome. Our whole back line played awesome, with Cole leading the charge. He's getting better and better each game and if we continue to defend like that, we'll be a tough team."

The Flying Dutchmen outshot Carthage 5-4 and had seven corner kicks to the host team's two. 

Hope returns home on Saturday, September 24 to face off with Heidelberg University and will also have free team posters at Van Andel Soccer Stadium for a 3 p.m. start.