Van Andel Soccer Stadium was absolutely electric on Tuesday night as the Hope College men's soccer team fought through a dramatic second-half thriller, powering past Trine University 2–1 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
The Flying Dutch (8-1-3, 1-0-2 MIAA) stayed within striking distance in the MIAA chase and are tied for third place with Albion College. Kalamazoo College is 3-0 in league play, while Calvin University is 2-0-1 after Tuesday's games.
Hope set the tempo early, controlling possession and applying consistent pressure with 26 total shots on the night. The effort paid off in the 23rd minute when senior Josh Weigel (Naperville, Illinois / Naperville Central HS) was fouled inside the box to earn a penalty kick.
Senior forward Seth Walters (St. Joseph, Michigan / St. Joseph) stepped up and converted the chance, placing it into the open net for his 40th career goal and giving Hope a 1–0 lead. Walters becomes the sixth Hope College men's soccer player to earn the 40-mark in career goals.
Trine brought the game back to level terms in the second half with a long-range strike, that soared into the net.
Hope responded immediately, regaining the lead just 48 seconds later. Junior Jackson Mindling (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) picked up momentum on a fast run down the pitch, cut in from the left side, and drove a low shot into the bottom left corner of the net, sending the buzzing home crowd into a frenzy.
The Flying Dutch defense and goalkeeper senior Cooper Hutt (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) held firm over the final 20 minutes to secure the 2–1 win.
Hope next welcomes Calvin for The Rivalry on the pitch on Friday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.
