ALMA, Mich. – The Alma College women's soccer team fell in heartbreaking fashion to the Flying Dutch of Hope College. The Scots ultimately dropped the game by a final score of 2-1, with Hope scoring the game winning goal in the final five minutes of play.
The game began with both goalkeepers seeing some shots early on but nothing to cause any panic. Both teams fought hard in the midfield to gain the offensive zones but the defenses held strong, allowing minimal chances throughout play. Hope tallied the first goal of the game on a shot from the left side that Allison Bush made a save on though the rainy day played a factor as the ball slipped out and allowed for the Flying Dutch to squeak in on a rebound opportunity. Hope would keep the momentum coming out of the kick off but the Scots defense would hold prove to be pivotal and keep the Flying Dutch off the board for the remainder of the first half.
Coming out of the break, Jacqueline Daigneault put an early shot on net that was saved by the Hope goalkeeper, testing the waters early in the half. Bush and the defense found themselves battling in the second half, standing tall and keeping the Scots within striking distance early in the half. The Scots broke through around the18 minute mark in the second half as Lily Stephan sent a shot on net that went off of a Hope defender as it hit the crossbar, crossing the goal line and tying the game at one apiece. The goal gave Alma some momentum heading into the final ten minutes of the game as Alma would control the ball and keep the Hope defense on the toes nearing the end of regulation. After several corner kicks the Scots tried putting together chances on, Hope broke loose and headed towards attacking zone looking for a last push. Following a throw in, as the ball was being headed towards the center line, the Flying Dutch sent a ball towards the net out of the air that entered the net just below the crossbar and out of reach, breaking the tie. The final minutes saw Alma with a last-minute corner kick and some offensive opportunities but ultimately the Scots fell to Hope in dramatic fashion.
Daigneault and Stephan both tied for the team lead with two shots apiece as both also tied with one shot on goal. Bush made six saves in the game as Alma limited the Flying Dutch to 18 shots, against a Hope team that has averaged close to 23 shots a game.
The Scots will be back at Scotland Yard on Saturday, October 14th, as they will play host to The University of Olivet. Game time is set for 12:00 PM.
