Men’s and Women’s Soccer Make History at Calvin

The Flying Dutch sweep MIAA Tournament titles for the first time

One by one, the Hope College men's and women's soccer teams raised shiny crystal trophies into the dark night in a first-of-its-kind feat on Saturday at Calvin University.

The Flying Dutch snapped extended winless streaks in The Rivalry in thrilling fashion to sweep the MIAA Tournament titles for the first time in school history. Hope first defeated the 15th-ranked Knights, 1-0, in the men's final, then topped the ninth-ranked Knights, 2-0, in the women's final.

Hope also clinched automatic berths in next week's NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Soccer Championships. The national fields are scheduled to be announced on ncaa.com on Monday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. (men) and 11:30 a.m. (women).

The MIAA Tournament championship is the fourth for both Flying Dutch teams.

Led by head coach David Blahnik, the Hope men previously claimed tourney titles in the 2021 spring season, 2013, and 2011. The third-seeded Flying Dutch broke a 23-game winless streak against Calvin that featured six ties and 17 losses, including a 3-2 defeat earlier this season at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Guided by head coach Holly Van Noord, the Hope women previously captured MIAA Tournament crowns in the 2021 fall season, 2017, and 2016. The second-seeded Flying Dutch stopped a 12-game winless streak to the Knights that included four ties and eight losses. Hope and Calvin shared the MIAA regular-season title this season after playing to a scoreless draw at Van Andel Soccer Stadium during the regular season.

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