The Alma College men's soccer team took to the field this Saturday (Sept. 19) at Scotland Yard with an exciting comeback victory, 3-2 to defeat the Comets of Olivet College.  Alma moves to 5-1 overall while improving to 2-0 in MIAA play.  Olivet falls to 1-7 overall and 0-2 in the MIAA.

The Scots led the Comets in the first half 14-3 in shots as well as 5-0 in corners, however found themselves down 2-0 through roughly 40 minutes of play.  After some solid passing and good possessions the ball found the foot of junior Austin Gabris (Spring Lake, Mich./Spring Lake) where he fired a shot from 25 yards out finding the back of the net for the Scots first goal of the afternoon. 

Alma went in to the half down 2-1.

Later in the 53rd minute senior Julian Birge (East Lansing, Mich./East Lansing) ripped a shot from 20 yards out that soared past the Comet keeper for the equalizer with a great pass from senior Matt Sovis (Williamston, Mich./Williamston) who recorded the assist.

After a late defensive injury for Alma, senior John Ulrich (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) got his chance to make a difference for the Scots.  Ulrich had a beautiful defensive save in the 85th minute to keep the game tied at 2. 

With the final minutes winding down the Scots had the ball in the corner of Olivet territory where Ulrich had a beautiful cross that found senior Aaron Bender (Marquette, Mich./Marquette) who buried the Scot's third and go-ahead goal in the 87th minute that would go on to be the game winner.  Alma's keeper, junior Nick Strait (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) improved his record to 5-0 as the Scots celebrated with a solid Saturday crowd of 200 fans.

After the victory head coach Josh Oakley reached high accolades and earned his 100th win of his career.

Alma resumes conference play Tuesday, September 22 when they take on the Knights of Calvin College back at the Scotland Yard in Alma, Mich., with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM.