Kalamazoo, MI – Alma College Men's Soccer fall 4-2 in their conference opener against Kalamazoo College on Wednesday, October 9th, at MacKenzie Field. Despite an early goal from
Kaiden Link and a second half penalty from
JJ Riggsby, the Scots could not take home three points. This loss ends the Scots 8 game unbeaten streak and marks their first loss in MIAA play this season.
The Scots started on fire, with
Kaiden Link scoring just 43 seconds into the match from an assist by
Ethan Swartzentruber. This goal is
Kaiden Link's first of his career as a Scot. The Hornets responded quickly, notching a goal 2 minutes later. The Hornets netted a second goal to take the lead going into halftime.
In the second half, the Scots continued to see moments of brilliance but could not capitalize on the chances they created. Kalamazoo extended their lead early in the second half to 3-1. Alma reduced the deficit to 1 goal when
Christian Sweis was fouled in the box.
JJ Riggsby confidently converted the penalty kick to make it 3-2. Kalamazoo ultimately sealed the game in the 74th minute after tactical changes were made to push forward in an attempt to tie the match from Alma. The Scots continued to be dangerous, forcing the Hornet's goalkeeper to make crucial saves in the final minutes.
The Scots outshot the Hornets 17 to 15, with each side managing 8 shots on target. Alma also had the edge on corner kicks with 10 in comparison to Kalamazoo having 4.
Bradshaw Uhlmann made 4 saves during his 90 minutes in net.
The Scots look to rebound strong and get back into the win column as they prepare to host Albion College on October 12th at 1 pm at Scotland Yard. This match is senior day, where they will be commemorating the seniors before the match begins. The Scots fall to 8-3-1 on the season and 0-1-0 in MIAA play.
