The Hope College men's soccer team earned a statement win on the road Saturday, handing Albion College its first conference loss of the season with a gritty 2-1 road victory.
The Flying Dutchmen (7-5-2, 3-0-1 MIAA) moved into a tie atop the standings with Calvin University and knocked the Britons down to third place.
With the score tied in the 69th minute, junior Evan Morrison (Canton, Michigan / Canton) created a moment of brilliance in the form of determination and finesse. Morrison dribbled past two Albion defenders before unleashing a blistering strike from 20 yards out that rocketed into the upper-left corner, restoring Hope's lead.
Head coach David Blahnik called it one of the best game-winning goals he's seen.
Hope's defense and sophomore goalkeeper Daniel Morgan (Holland, Michigan / Holland Christian) stood tall the rest of the way, with Morgan recording two second-half saves and the back line clearing multiple dangerous chances in the final minutes to secure the result.
"Today was a well-deserved and hard-fought win from the guys on the road against an extremely tough Albion team that is scoring a lot of goals and hasn't lost in nearly a month," Blahnik said. "Every player on this team played a crucial role in the result. Our play wasn't perfect for 90 minutes, but the team showed the maturity, discipline, and passion needed to find a way to win together."
The Orange and Blue controlled much of the first half, dictating pace and pressure against Albion (10-2-1, 3-1 MIAA), which had not lost since September 24 while averaging nearly three goals per game.
Hope's breakthrough came in the 29th minute off a perfectly placed left-footed corner kick from sophomore Owen Ceithaml (Holland, Michigan / Holland), met by sophomore Jackson Mindling (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian), who rose above the Albion defense and powered a header into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
The Britons found the equalizer early in the second half with a penalty kick conversion in the 52nd minute.
The Flying Dutchmen finished with a 15-11 edge in shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Daniel Morgan (Holland, Michigan / Holland Christian) made three saves.
Hope returns to action on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. for Senior Day against Alma College at Van Andel Soccer Stadium. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Hope College Ticket Office or at the gate.
