Thunder Men's Soccer News
12/6 - Hilson Named Third Team All-Central Region
KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Trine University men’s soccer player Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Central Region Third Team.
The senior forward was also named to the All-MIAA First Team after scoring 12 goals and assisting on five others in his final collegiate season. The 29 total points Hilson collected on the year put him third in the conference. Hilson scored 9 goals in MIAA action which tied him for the conference lead.
This marks the third consecutive year the Thunder have had a player named All-Region after Femi Adediji, Andy Ohanesian and Foster Webb were named to the second team last season and Rudy Cantrell earned third team honors in 2010.
11/6 - Hilson and Murray Named All-MIAA in Men's Soccer
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced the men’s soccer All-MIAA team, and for the first time since joining the conference, Trine University has had a player named First Team in consecutive years. Senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) was named All-MIAA First Team while freshman J.J. Murray (Chester, England) was named to the second team.
Prior to last season the Thunder had never had a player named to the first team, but have now had a player honored in back-to-back seasons as three Trine athletes were named All-MIAA First Team in 2011. It also marks the first time the team has had multiple players named All-MIAA in consecutive years.
Hilson earned his first all-conference honors after finishing the conference season fourth with 20 points (9 goals, 2 assists). His 9 goals in conference play tied him with two others for the MIAA lead along with sharing the conference lead with four game-winning goals. On the season, Hilson netted 12 goals, which was second in the conference, while assisting on five others, which ranked eighth. The 29 total points Hilson collected on the year put him third in the MIAA.
Murray was the only freshman named to either the first or second team and is the first Trine player to earn All-MIAA honors in their first season. Murray started 18 games on the year, collecting two goals and two assists.
10/30 - Holcom, Hilson Lead Thunder to Victory in Final Game
OLIVET, Mich. - In their biggest comeback of the season, the Trine University men’s soccer team overcame a late goal by Olivet College to score twice in the final 13 minutes to win their season finale 2-1. The Thunder end their season 8-10-1 and just one game under .500 in the conference at 6-7-1 to finish fifth.
Despite the two teams combining for 18 shots in the first half, neither team was able to find the back of the net as the game remained scoreless.
Olivet would finally break the game open in the 61st minute as they scored on a give-and-go on a short shot just inside the 6-yard box.
It wasn’t looking good for the Thunder as time was running out. But with just under 13 minutes left in the game, senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) scored his nine goal of the season and the 26th and final goal of his career to tie the game. Holcom received a pass from junior David Duquette (Wilmington, Ohio/Wilmington) and ripped a shot to the near post from 8 yards out.
The Thunder offense took charge from there as they out-shot the Comets 12-8 in the final period. Just seven minutes later, Holcom nearly put the ball away but his shot was blocked. The ball then found its way to Duquette once again, who led senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) in as he chipped the ball over the head of the Olivet goalie into the net for the eventual game-winner. The goal was Hilson’s 12th of the season and matched Holcom for a career total of 26.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made 11 stops on the afternoon to earn the victory. Stewart finished the season playing every second between the pipes in goal this season for the Thunder.
In their final collegiate game, Holcom and Hilson led the Thunder with six and five shots respectively.
Hilson finished the conference season fourth with 20 points (9 goals, 2 assists). His 9 goals in conference play tied him with two others for the MIAA lead along with four game-winning goals.
10/27 - Trine Falls in Home Finale
ANGOLA, Ind. - It was a tough end to the home season for the Trine University men’s soccer team as they fell on Senior Day 2-0 to Hope. The loss also eliminated the Thunder from making the MIAA Tournament with their conference record now at 5-7-1 and an overall record of 7-10-1 on the season.
Hope would score the only goal they would need just eight minutes into the game on a long pass that found a player deep in Thunder territory for the goal. The Flying Dutchmen would add their other goal just before the half in the 41st minute on a free kick from nearly 35 yards out.
Trine was out-shot 21-8 on the afternoon as sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made nine saves.
The Thunder’s lone shot on goal came from senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen). Trine also celebrated the careers of Jordan Diemer (Byron Center, Mich./Unity Christian), Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) and David Murray (Bolingbrook, Ill./Naperville Central) in their final home game in a Thunder uniform.
Trine will wrap-up their season with a road game at Olivet on October 30 at 4:00 p.m.
10/24 - Hilson’s Goal in 2ot Gives Thunder the Victory
ANGOLA, Ind. - It took two overtimes, but the Trine University men’s soccer team pulled out a 3-2 victory over Alma College on senior Andre Hilson’s (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) second goal of the game. The Thunder keep their hopes alive to make the conference tournament as they improve their record to 7-9-1 on the season and 5-6-1 in the conference.
Hilson would get the scoring started just 10 minutes into the game as he took the ball and went one-on-one with the Alma defender, made a spin move and shot the ball to the far right post for the goal.
Alma would score in the 25th minute to tie the game going into the half.
The Scots would score first coming out of the break in the 59th minute to take their first lead of the game.
Trine would finally answer back after multiple chances, as it would be senior Jordan Diemer (Byron Center, Mich./Unity Christian) netting his first goal of the season. Sophomore Karston Shepard (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) fed the ball into the box off a corner kick and it was Diemer who was able to find the ball and head it home.
With the score tied at 2-2, the game would head to overtime. Trine attempted the only shot in the first extra period.
In the second extra frame, the Thunder would put the game away on a fantastic play. Sophomore Mac Green (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton) found Hilson at the far left post, who headed the ball home for his team-leading 11th goal of the season.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) finished the night with four saves, two in each period of regulation.
The Thunder out-shot Alma 25-10, as all but two Trine starters attempted a shot on the afternoon. Hilson led all players with six shot attempts and three shots on goal.
The win is the first time the Thunder have won in double overtime since joining the MIAA.
Trine will look to keep their postseason hopes alive when they host Hope College for their final home game of the season on October 27 for a 2:30 p.m. game.
10/20 - Duquette Leads Thunder over Britons
ALBION, Mich. - After a defensive battle in the first half, the Trine University men’s soccer team battled back with an offensive fury in the second half to take down Albion 2-0. The win improves the Thunder to 6-9-1 on the year and 4-6-1 in the conference.
The first half saw the two teams combine for just five shots on goal, four of which came from the Thunder.
Trine came out in the second half with an offensive melee, rattling off 13 shots in the period. The Thunder finally pulled through in the 63rd minute when junior David Duquette (Wilmington, Ohio/Wilmington) found senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) for his ninth goal of the season.
Duquette would later add his own goal in the 83rd minute to cement the win for the Thunder.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made three saves on the afternoon for the Thunder.
Trine will return home to host Alma on October 24 for a 4:00 p.m. game.
10/16 - Thunder Shutout Visiting Bulldogs
By Sports Information Student Assistant Caitlin Reynolds
ANGOLA, Ind. - The Trine University men’s soccer team defeated visiting Adrian College by a score of 1-0. The score however did not reflect the play of the game as Trine dominated throughout the match. The win brings the Thunder to 5-9-1 on the season and 3-6-1 in the conference.
The only goal of the game came from senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) in the 49th minute, after freshman Nick Lang (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral) headed the ball to Hilson who deposited the ball into the right corner of the net.
Trine outshot the Bulldogs 22-8, and had several opportunities to add to their lead, including a hot shot from Lang in the first half that bounced off the crossbar.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) would get the win with 5 saves. Hilson lead the Thunder with 8 shots, 4 of them on goal. Sophomore Karston Shephard (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield), freshman JJ Murray (Chester, England) and senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) each added 3 shots.
The Thunder return to action in another MIAA matchup, going on the road to Albion on October 20 at 2:30 pm.
10/13 - Thunder Drop Muddy Battle with Knights
ANGOLA, Ind. - As they say, when it rains it pours, and for the Trine University men’s soccer team the clouds came out and the rain fell for the entire duration of the game as they fell to conference leader Calvin 4-0. The loss drops the Thunder 4-9-1 on the season and 2-6-1 in the MIAA.
Calvin scored early just as the rain started the fall in the eight minute. The heavy rain would then roll in, as neither team was able to get any offense going through the rest of the first half as the teams combined for just seven shots in the period.
The Thunder would have several opportunities to tie the game, including a shot by senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) that bounced off the post that would have tied the game. Trine would be unable to score the equalizer as the Knights would add two goals just seconds apart at 63:40 and then 64:08, to put the game away. Calvin would add another goal with just five minutes left in the game.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made three saves on the afternoon, all coming in the second half. Holcom led the Thunder with three shots, two on target.
Despite the score, the Thunder were out-shot by just four, 12-8.
Trine will return to action on October 16 when they host Adrian at 4:00 p.m.
10/10 - Thunder Stung on the Road by Hornets
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Despite scoring in the first minute, the Trine University men’s soccer team fell to Kalamazoo 2-1. The loss drops the Thunder to 4-8-1 on the season and 2-5-1 in the conference.
Trine senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) scored just 1:19 into the game on an assist from sophomore Karston Shepard (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) to give the Thunder the early lead.
The Hornets would answer right back scoring at 3:17 to tie the game. After the two quick goals, neither team would score again in the first half as the game was tied 1-1 at the break.
In the 57th minute Kalamazoo would score the eventual game-winner.
Sophomore Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made four saves in net for the Thunder.
Hilson led all players with eight shot attempts, with six coming on target.
For the game, Kalamazoo out-shot the Thunder 17-15, but Trine would have more opportunities to score on the night as 10 of their shots came on goal compared to just seven for the Hornets.
Trine will have another tough test on Saturday when they host conference leader Calvin at 2:30 p.m.
10/6 - Thunder Fall to #7 Comets
ANGOLA, Ind. - Facing their toughest contest of the year, the Trine University men’s soccer team gave seventh ranked Olivet College all it could handle as they fell 2-1. The loss drops the Thunder to 4-7-1 on the season and 2-4-1 in conference play.
Olivet would score quickly, netting the first goal just 41 seconds into the game.
Trine senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) would answer back in the 19th minute. Hilson ripped a shot from nearly 35 yards out on the far right side of the field that found the left side of the net for his sixth goal of the season.
Defense would play a big role all night for both teams as they managed a combine 22 shots, but just five came on goal. Olivet would score the game-winner on a scramble in front of the net off a throw-in as the ball deflected off one Comet player right to another who was just a few feet away from the open goal.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made a save of the night.
The goal by Hilson was the first goal allowed by Olivet in 590 minutes and 40 seconds of play over the course of nine games.
Trine will get back to work when they travel to Kalamazoo for another night game at 7:00 p.m. on October 10.
10/2 - Thunder Drop Heartbreaker on the Road
HOLLAND, Mich. - It was a heartbreaking game for the Trine University men’s soccer team as they fell to Hope College 3-2. The Thunder fall to 4-6-1 on the season and 2-3-1 in the MIAA.
Trine got on the board first in just the 13th minute when senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) found freshman JJ Murray (Chester, England) 18 yards out of the score on a low shot that was deflected into the goal.
The Flying Dutchmen would answer back less than two minutes later on a header off a throw in.
With the score tied 1-1 to start the second half, it would again be Murray to give the Thunder the lead, scoring at the 64:02 mark. This time it would be senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) who found Murray from the corner of the 6-yard box for the score.
The celebration wouldn’t last long for the Thunder as Hope would again answer right back, scoring just 1:46 later off another throw in to tie the game at 2-2.
With 12:10 left in the game, Hope would score the game-winner as the Thunder were unable to net the equalizer in the final minutes of the game.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made seven stops for the Thunder, five of which came in the first half.
The Flying Dutchmen out-shot Trine 25-12 for the match, including a 16-5 margin in the first half alone.
Trine will return to the pitch on homecoming when they face Olivet College under the lights of Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium for an 8:00 p.m. match.
10/1 - Holcom Named MIAA Men’s Soccer POW
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University forward Curtis Holcom its Offensive Players of the Week in men’s soccer for games played through September 30.
Holcom, a senior from Converse, Indiana (Oak Hill HS), scored twice and assisted on a third goal in leading the Thunder to a 3-0 MIAA victory over Albion. Holcom leads all MIAA players in goals on the season with eight in Trine’s first 10 games this season. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
9/29 - Thunder Play to Scoreless Tie
ALMA, Mich. - Almost a year to the day since their last scoreless draw, the Trine University men’s soccer team played to a 0-0 draw with Alma College. The Thunder now stand at 4-5-1 on the season and 2-2-1 in the conference.
Alma out-shot the Thunder 9-7 in a first half that saw the two teams combine for six shots on net.
The Scots would again out-shoot Trine in the second half, this time 9-1, but the Thunder defense and sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) held strong as the game went into overtime.
The first overtime wouldn’t see much offense as Alma had the only shot on goal of the first 10 minute extra period.
The Thunder were able to flip the offensive pressure in the second overtime as they would out-shoot the Scots 3-0, with all three shots coming on net. Senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) nearly scored the game-winner twice, the first just 1:22 into the fourth frame and again with just 1:38 left in the game.
Stewart earned his fifth shutout of the season between the posts while making seven saves.
Holcom led Trine with three shots, all coming on target. Junior Sam Seibolt (Olathe, Kan./DeSoto) notched two shots, both coming on goal.
For the match, Alma out-shot the Thunder 20-12.
The two sides also played to a 0-0 tie back on September 22, 2007 in Angola. Trine last played to a scoreless tie with Hope on September 24 of last season.
Trine will now travel to Hope on October 2 for a 7:00 p.m. game with the Flying Dutchmen.
9/26 - Thunder Bang Up the Britons
By Sports Information Student Assistant Haley Killingbeck
ANGOLA, Ind. - Trine University men’s soccer senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) scored two goals to help push the Thunder past conference opponent Albion 3-0. The win improves the Thunder to 2-2 in MIAA play, and 4-5 overall on the season.
Holcom’s first goal came off an assist by fellow senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen). Hilson chipped the ball backwards to Holcom who kicked it in just past the Albion goalkeeper. Trine kept the lead at 1-0 going into halftime.
To start the second half, Holcom scored his second goal off an assist from Kenny Rappuhn (Grand Blanc, Mich./Goodrich) just 1:56 into the half to extend their lead to 2-0. Holcom played a chip shot over the Albion goalie’s head into the empty net.
The Thunder’s third and final goal came with just six minutes left in the game. This time it would be Hilson who received the pass from Holcom, as he dribbled around the Albion defender, and scored on an angle shot from the corner of the box.
Trine sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) recorded his second straight shutout, and fourth of the season, making six saves on the afternoon.
The two teams each attempted 15 shots, as Trine led with 11 coming on-goal compared to seven for the Britons.
The Thunder will be back in action September 29 when they travel to Alma College at 2:30 p.m.
9/22 - Holcom Scores Trine Game-Winner over Adrian
ADRIAN, Mich. - The Trine University men’s soccer team picked up their first conference win of the season as they defeated Adrian College 1-0. The Thunder improve to 3-5 on the season and 1-2 in the MIAA.
Trine had four shots on goal in the first half, but were unable to take a lead before halftime.
Senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) would score the game-winner at 69:49 for his team-leading sixth goal of the season. Sophomore Karston Shephard (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) found Holcom for the goal for his third assist of the year.
The two sides would combine for 23 shots in the second half, but Holcom would be the only one to find the back of the net.
Sophomore Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made seven saves in net for the Thunder to earn his third shutout of the year.
Freshman JJ Murray (Chester, England) led all players with six shots in the game including four on goal. Holcom also tallied four shots, with three on target.
Trine will look to continue their winning ways when they host Albion College on September 26 for a 4:00 p.m. match.
9/18 - Thunder Nearly Pull off Upset of Knights
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Trine University men’s soccer team pushed the defending national runner-up Calvin College to the limit, as the Thunder fell 2-1 in overtime to the Knights. The loss drops Trine to 2-5 on the season and 0-2 in the conference.
Trine scored first as senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) netted his fourth goal of the season. Sophomore Mac Green (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton) and freshman Nick Lang (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral) assisted on finding Hilson with a cross pass into the box.
The Thunder led for most of the game as they came out firing in the second half, attempting three shots in less than two minutes. Trine led late until the Knights scored the equalizer at the 75:36 mark, as the found the far side of the net just out of the reach of sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester).
Calvin would score the game-winner 3:36 into the extra period as they scored from the top of the box to the far post ending Trine’s hopes for an upset.
Hilson and fellow senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) each tallied four shots for the game, as two of Holcom’s came on net.
Stewart had an outstanding afternoon in net for the Thunder facing a season-high 35 shots while also making a season-high 12 saves. Senior Jordan Diemer (Byron Center, Mich./Unity Christian) also made a spectacular defensive save in regulation, knocking a sure Calvin goal out of the open net.
Trine will travel to Adrian on September 22 for a 2:30 p.m. game as the Thunder look for their first conference win of the year.
9/15 - Thunder Stung by Hornets in Conference Opener
ANGOLA, Ind. - It was a tough start to the conference season for the Trine University men’s soccer team as they fell to Kalamazoo College 2-0. The loss drops the Thunder to 2-4 overall on the season.
Defensive play was key in the first half for both teams as each side attempted just five shots.
Both offenses exploded in the second half accounting for a combined 21 shots in the half, of which 12 came on net.
The Hornets scored what turned out to be the game-winner just six minutes into the half after sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made the initial save but the Kalamazoo player was able to put the rebound home.
Kalamazoo would tack-on another goal in the 66th minute.
The Thunder had several opportunities in the second half as they put five shots on target, but were unable to get anything past the Hornets keeper.
Senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) and junior David Duquette (Wilmington, Ohio/Wilmington) led the Thunder with four shot attempts each.
Stewart made several outstanding stops in net for the Thunder, finishing with eight saves.
Trine will look to snag their first MIAA win of the year when they travel to defending National Runner-up Calvin College on September 18 for a 4:00 p.m. game.
9/11 - Hat-Trick by Holcom Leads Trine over Defiance
DEFIANCE, Ohio - Trine University men’s soccer senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) scored his first career hat-trick to lead the Thunder to a 4-0 victory over Defiance College. The win snaps a two game losing streak for the Thunder to improve to 2-3 on the year.
Holcom scored his first goal in the 35th minute as fellow senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) found Holcom for the score.
Leading just 1-0 at the half, junior David Duquette (Wilmington, Ohio/Wilmington) opened the scoring in the second half, finding the back of the net just five minutes in off an assist from sophomore Karston Shepard (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield). Just six minutes later Holcom would score again, this time unassisted, to put the Thunder up 3-0.
The third and final goal of the game for Holcom came at 63:45 on a touch pass from Hilson to beat the Yellow Jacket keeper for the hat-trick.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) earned his second shutout of the season while making a season-high nine saves.
The hat-trick by Holcom comes exactly two years to the day since Trine’s last hat-trick, which was accomplished by Hilson at Manchester in 2010.
For the afternoon Trine out-shot Defiance 17-14, and 11-9 on-goal.
Trine will open conference play when they host Kalamazoo on September 15 at 2:30 p.m.
9/8 - Late Goals Calm the Thunder
ANGOLA, Ind. - It was another tough luck loss for the Trine University men’s soccer team as two second half goals by Manchester University sent the Thunder home with a 2-1 loss on the final day of Trine’s Ketner Classic. The Thunder fall to 1-3 on the season.
Trine got on the board first in the 41st minute when sophomore Karston Shephard (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) found senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) with a long pass to the top of the box. Hilson then buried the ball home into the top left corner for his third goal in as many games.
The Spartans scored quickly in the second half as Dian Radev netted a goal just three minutes into the half. Cody Freels would score the game-winner for Manchester in the 74th minute as Trine was unable to tally the equalizer on several late opportunities.
Sophomore Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made five stops in net for the Thunder.
Hilson led all players with seven total shots, three of which came on target.
For the match, the Thunder out-shot Manchester 15-11, but seven of the Spartans shot came on goal compared to six for Trine.
The Thunder will wrap-up their non-conference schedule when they travel to Defiance College on September 11 for a 4:00 p.m. game.
9/7 - Men’s Soccer Drops Nail-Biter to Capital
By Sports Information Student Assistant Caitlin Reynolds
ANGOLA, Ind. - The Trine University Men’s Soccer team fell in a close fought battle with the visiting Capital University, by a score of 2-1. This was the second game in the Ketner Classic, and it was a wet one as a steady rain started to fall in the second half.
Senior forward Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) opened up the scoring in the 48th minute, as he was awarded a penalty kick after a foul by the Crusaders.
The second half saw some controversy when Trine had a goal taken away early in the period. What appeared to be a goal from sophomore Karston Shephard (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) was waved off as the ball was ruled out of bounds.
This would give Capital an opportunity to answer back and they did just that with two quick goals both from R.G. Florey in the 60th minute and the 63rd minute. The first was unassisted, while the second was on a penalty kick.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made four saves for the Thunder.
Hilson and junior David Duquette (Wilmington, Ohio/Wilmington) led the team with two shots each.
Trine will be back in action September 8 at 4:30 p.m. hosting Manchester University to finish out the Ketner Classic.
9/2 - Holcom Scores Twice as Thunder Rock Berea
LEXINGTON, Ky. - It was a near perfect day for the Trine University men’s soccer teams as the heavy rains held off and the Thunder earned their first win of the season dominating Berea College 4-0. The Thunder now sit at 1-1 on the season.
It didn’t take long for the goal scoring to start as the Thunder netted their first goal just 5:17 into the game on what was just their second shot attempt. Senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) found the back of the net on a through ball that he buried in the lower right corner of the net.
Twenty minutes later Holcom net his second goal of the game, heading home a deflection off the hands of the Mountaineers goalie.
The Thunder would have to wait a bit longer for their next goal which came in the 66th minute from freshman Jacob Nantz (Galesburg, Mich./Galesburg Augusta). Fellow freshman JJ Murray (Chester, England) crossed the ball into Nantz who found an open hole over the keepers head for the score.
Trine would cap off the day when senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) intercepted a Berea pass deep in their own zone to score at the 75:58 mark.
The Thunder defense dominated all game as they allowed just three shots over the full 90 minutes. Sophomore Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) earned his first career shutout while making two saves between the pipes.
Seven different Trine players attempted multiple shots led by Holcom and Hilson with five each, three of which came on target.
On the afternoon the Thunder out-shot Berea 26-3, including 8-2 on shots on goal. Trine recorded double digit shots in each half (16 and 10).
The Thunder will return home to host the two-day Ketner Classic beginning September 7 when they face Capital University at 7:00 p.m. under the lights at Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium.
9/1 - Thunder Fall on Late Goal to Open Season
LEXINGTON, Ky. - It was a tough end to the first game of the season for the Trine University men’s soccer team, falling 2-1 to Transylvania University on a late goal.
The Pioneers scored first with just 32 seconds left in the first half as Kyle Smith was able to score off a corner kick.
Trine mounted a comeback in the second half as freshman Kenny Rappuhn (Grand Blanc, Mich./Goodrich) deflected the ball home for his first collegiate goal in the 62nd minute.
It would be another late goal for Transylvania that would doom the Thunder as Christian King was able to score off a deflection with just 2:45 left in the game.
Sophomore Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) made his first career start in goal for the Thunder, stopping six shots.
Rappuhn and senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) led Trine with two shots each.
Transylvania held a 17-6 shot advantage over the Thunder.
Trine will go right back to work as they take on Berea at 1:00 p.m. on September 2 at Transylvania.
Men’s Soccer Picked to Finish Fourth
ANGOLA, Ind. - After their best finish in the MIAA a season ago, the Trine University men’s soccer team was picked to finish fourth in the conference this season in the preseason coaches poll. Hope was picked to win the conference title receiving six first place votes, well ahead of Calvin. Olivet received a first place voted and finished one spot ahead of the Thunder. Rounding out the poll were Adrian, Albion, Alma and Kalamazoo.
Trine will look to roll over their 13-5-2 overall record from a year ago as they build around a young core of underclassmen that includes just eight upperclassmen. After losing nine players to graduation, including four that were named All-MIAA, first-year coach Trevor Ferrell will rely on an offensive duo of seniors to lead the young team. Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) and Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill), last year’s second and third leading scorers, return to lead the offensive charge. Hilson was also second on the team with five assists.
Junior Samuel Seibolt (Olathe, Kan./DeSoto) will help lead the defense after starting all 20 games last year. Sophomore Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) will enter the season as the goalie after seeing just 43 minutes of action in 2011 for a team that won 12 of 13 games via shutout.
The squad will open the season on the road at a two-day tournament hosted by Transylvania before returning home to host and annual Ketner Classic on September 7-8. The conference schedule begins the following week on September 15 when the Thunder host Kalamazoo.
Poll Results (first-place votes in parenthesis): 1. Hope (6) 8 pts. 2. Calvin (1) 16. 3. Olivet (1) 17. 4. Trine 28. 5. Adrian 33. 6. Albion 34. 7. Alma 43. 8. Kalamazoo 45.
