Kalamazoo, Mich. - The Alma College men's soccer team pushed their road record to 8-3 after a 1-0 victory over Kalamazoo College at MacKenzie Field in the semi-final's of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) tournament. Since the new tournament format in 2011 Alma has never advanced to the MIAA championship but will do so for the first time this Saturday (Nov. 7) traveling to nationally ranked #1 Calvin College. 

It was a first half of grit and grind but the game remained knotted 0-0 after 45 minutes of play. Kalamazoo out shot Alma 9-4 in the half but junior Nick Strait (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) saved both of the shots that were on goal.

The momentum was in Alma's favor in the second half and that momentum paid off. After two corner kicks from senior John Ulrich (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) Alma had a throw in opportunity in Kalamazoo territory. Senior Zach Vandeveer (Elk Rapids, Mich./Elk Rapids) with one of his signature flip throw in's connected with junior Kyle Kansman (Farmington Hills, Mich./North Farmington) in the 81st minute for the go ahead goal.

Alma defense remained relentless in the last eight minutes of play and the Alma College men's soccer team defeated Kalamazoo College 1-0 in the MIAA semi-finals. Strait tallied five saves in the shut out victory.

At the end of the day Alma improved to 12-6-1 overall. The Scots will travel to Grand Rapids, Mich. this Saturday (Nov. 7) to take on #1 Calvin College at Zuidema Field for the MIAA championship with a start time set for 12:00 p.m. 

NOTES

• After today Alma has won 12 games in the 2015 campaign which has not been done since the 1999 season. 
• Alma is now 12-6-1 overall and it is the best record since under the direction of head coach Josh Oakley. 
• Since the new tournament format in 2011 Alma has never advanced to the MIAA championship until today. 
• Kyle Kansman has recorded at least one point in all three games against Kalamazoo this year. He notched his first goal of the season against Kalamazoo at home, he had an assist on the road against Kalamazoo and today he scored the game winning goal.