Alma, MI – Alma College Men's Soccer hosted the Spartans of Manchester University on Sunday afternoon, opening their season with a quality 1-0 win.
The action started early, with the Scots registering two shots and a high danger chance within the first five minutes with
Ethan Swartzentruber sending a shot just outside the left post. Throughout the first half, the Scots continued to create chances, registering 8 shots, but failed to take the lead, with the teams deadlocked 0-0 at halftime. Out of the break, Alma had the game's lone goal emerge in the 51st minute. The sequence started with a switch of play from the defensive line.
Ethan Swartzentruber cut in across the goal. playing the ball through the defense to played
Brenden Dore, who touched the ball under the keeper and finished the chance. This goal is Dore's first of the season, and his second goal in his past 3 matches carrying over from last season. The assist from Swartzentruber moves him into a tie for eight most all-time in career assists in Alma Men's Soccer history.
On the defensive side Alma kept a strong defensive shape, causing the opposition to resort to long balls to try and gain offensive footing during the match. The Scots back line showed a strong aerial presence to stifle the Spartan attacks. The strong defense from the Scots resulted in the Spartans registering 5 shots in the game with 0 on target. In the net for Alma,
Bradshaw Uhlmann earned a clean sheet and a win in his first start for the Scots. During the match, the Scots outshot the Spartans 16 to 5 and had 7 corner kicks to the opposition's 2.
Coach
Alister Newby was impressed with his teams work ethic and mental game in the win "It was a very resilient performance from the team against a very good side (Manchester) that only lost one game last year. They gave us a good battle and it is always great to start off the season with a win, especially at home in front of our fans and families. I also want to give a special shoutout to the team of 1999, it was great to celebrate their previous success with a win."
At the game, the Alma Men's Soccer team of 1999 was honored at halftime. Under the helm of Scott Frey, the team finished the season with an overall mark of 16-5-2, including 11-2-1 in the MIAA. The Scots were MIAA Champions and eventually advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the first time in school history. The team finished with a national ranking of 14th and their 16 wins on the year were a school record. In addition, their 11 league wins tied the 1997 team for most in school history. During the season, the Scots achieved an 11-game consecutive undefeated streak, which was the most in school history.
Alma improves to 1-0-0 and looks forward to a Wednesday home contest with Cleary, followed up by two away matches in Indiana at the Robbie Dreher Classic on the weekend.
