Calvin Knights down the Hope Dutchmen

Men’s soccer team suffers 3-0 home loss against rivaling Calvin team on Saturday

Derby games always mean a lot more because they strike the beginning of rivalries. Rivalries mean a lot, because of bragging rights, achieving records, individual accolades and the sweet savory smell of victory. Because of the beauty of rivalries, we see some of the most interesting and meaningful performances from teams. In soccer, there’s El Classico, (Real Madrid and FC Barcelona). In basketball, the L.A Lakers and the Boston Celtics and not too far down the line, in division three college sports, there’s Hope and Calvin Colleges.

This week, unfortunately, the Flying Dutchmen lost all bragging rights in a 3-0 defeat by the Calvin Knights, who are currently ranked ninth. Calvin was able to hold Hope’s attempts on goal as they maintained a clean sheet with an impressive three goals scored. Calvin goals were scored by Isky Van Doorne in the twenty-first minute of the game. Jay Noyola made it a two- goal lead in quick succession at the twenty-sixth minute of a well-placed assist from Matt Hinds and Mitch Stark, who got his name on the score sheet in the seventy- first minute.

Statistically, Hope had nine shots in total, with four ending up on target, while Calvin had a total of thirteen shots, with six of them being on target for goal. Hope’s freshman keeper, Brad McCormick (’20), made three good saves while the Calvin side prevented four attempts on goal. Hope had a total of twelve foul offences while Calvin had five in comparison. Surprisingly, with a total of nineteen, there were no bookings, which is good conduct on the side of the players. Hope had a total of seven corner kicks while Calvin had a total of five. Both teams showed great positioning, as neither team had a player offside.

With this loss, the Dutchmen fall to an overall record of 2-5, and can only look forward to their next game, and in the long run, the next rivalry. Hope College head coach Steven Smith, in good spirit, said, “I love the rivalry, love the fact our guys want to play for the rivalry. I don’t like the fact they’re dominating the rivalry right now.” The Gaffer went on to say, “I have a group of guys who haven’t beaten Calvin yet. I can go back in history with four years of classes that didn’t lose to Calvin. Now they’re dominating. They’re playing strong. They’re a good side.”

The Dutchmen will go up against Trine University in their next fixture on Sept. 21 at 7:00 p.m. This will be in front of a home crowd at the Van Andel Soccer Stadium. The team will be looking forward to shaking off the poor performance in recent games and get into good goal-scoring form, to secure a victory and improve their record.