Don't tug on
Jackson Mindling's jersey. It won't do any good.
The powerful and skilled striker for the Hope College men's soccer team delivered the clinching goal in a 3-1 victory against Anderson University (Indiana) despite the Ravens' best efforts to stop him Tuesday night at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.
Surrounded by three defenders, including one who pulled the back of his jersey, Mindling (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) still launched a blast from 30 yards out that powered through the outstretched hands of Anderson goalkeeper Karter Denson.
Mindling's team-leading sixth goal of the season pushed the Flying Dutchmen's lead back to two goals with 6 minutes, 52 seconds remaining.
Hope recorded its fifth multi-goal game of the season and improved to 4-4-1. The Flying Dutchmen wrap up nonconference play Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. Admission is free.
Anderson (5-3-2) lost to an MIAA opponent for the first time this season. The Ravens previously beat Trine University and Alma College and tied the University of Olivet.
Hope welcomed Mindling's heroics after Anderson cut into the lead when Emmett Kindler headed in a cross from Miles Tucker in the 64th minute.
Seven minutes earlier, the Flying Dutchmen had doubled their lead when junior
Josh Weigel (Naperville, Illinois / Naperville Central) buried a cross along the end line from junior
Seth Walters (St. Joseph, Michigan / St. Joseph). It was Weigel's fourth goal of the season.
Hope opened the scoring in the 40th minute. Freshman
Jack Lowman (Novi, Michigan / Northville) headed in his second goal of the season from right next to the post.
Sophomore Ben Smitley (Wyoming, Michigan / Grand Rapids Catholic Central) and junior
Evan Tsandes (Park City, Utah / Park City) were credited with assists after Smitley headed a Tsandes free kick ahead a few feet to Lowman.
The Flying Dutchmen outshot Anderson 20-7, and sophomore goalkeeper
Daniel Morgan (Holland, Michigan / Holland Christian) needed to make only two saves.
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