On a hot Sunday afternoon in Indiana, the Alma College Men's Soccer team traveled to Hanover College for a the finale of a two-game road weekend road trip to start the 2013 season. The Scots used a strong start to defeat the host Panthers by a score of 3-2, improving to 2-0 on the young season.

"Our guys were sharp in front of the goal very early today," said Alma Head Coach Josh Oakley. "When you go 3-0 up after 20 minutes against a capable team like Hanover, you have to be even more focused the rest of the way. We tailed off a little and by not finishing that one last chance, we let them stay in the game.

"Our team shape and continuity between the lines have to improve. We've had a long, hot, exhausting weekend and we can be glad for the two victories. But we realize that the greatest challenges this year lie ahead of us, not behind."

Alma came out with a purpose and scored their first goal at the 4:39 mark, when So. F Aaron Bender (Marquette, Mich./Marquette) scored on a header in the six-yard box off of a crossing pass from So. M/F Julian Birge (E. Lansing, Mich./E. Lansing).

The Scots made it 2-0 at 13:43 as Fr. F Tyler Raab (Mason, Mich./Mason) scored on a breakaway, assisted by Jr. M/F Michael Smith (Saginaw, Mich./Nouvel Catholic Central). The lead increased to 3-0 at 21:06 when Bender scored his second of the day on another header, this time off a throw in from So. D Ryan Schoonover (Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven).

The Panthers weren't going to go away quietly however, and scored at the 40:26 mark to cut their deficit to 3-1 late in the first half. Hanover put on consistent pressure in the final frame, but Alma Sr. GK Graham Wallace (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Eastern) was up to the challenge. He kept the home team at bay until a late goal (85:04) put the score at 3-2 and contributed to some tense moments until the final horn.

On the afternoon, Hanover outshot Alma by a margin of 16-10, including 9-4 in shots on goal. Wallace earned the win in net with seven saves, while Bender led the Scots with two shots on goal. The other shots that reached the net for Alma were by Smith, Raab and Fr. D Aaron Griffin (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West).

Alma's next game is Thursday, September 5, when they play at Andrews University. Start time is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.