Men's Soccer Narrowly Defeated by Hornets

KALAMAZOO, MICH. - The Defiance College men's soccer team hit the road for the first time in the 2018 season on Saturday afternoon as they traveled to Kalamazoo for a non-conference matchup. A late goal saw the Hornets prevail with a 2-1 win. 

The two defenses were able to stifle any chance in the first half as they took a 0-0 scoreline into halftime. Kalamazoo outshot Defiance 12-3 in the first 45, but the Yellow Jacket defense was up to the task. Senior goalkeeper Clay Musgrave (Upper Sandusky / Upper Sandusky) made three saves to keep the Hornets scoreless. 

The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute as the Hornets took the lead. Coach Jordan Valentine's Yellow Jackets showed no signs of defeat as in the 76th minute the Purple and Gold equalized. The goal came as Maxwell Alvarado (Muncie, Ind. / Burris Labratory) collected the ball just outside of the 18-yard box. Alvarado took a touch and played a pass out to the wing to find Luca DeMartino (Mequon, Wisc. / Homestead) in open space. DeMartino took a touch and lofted the ball over the Hornet keeper's outstretched hands. The goal takes the freshman's goal tally up to two and Alvarado is awarded with his first assist on the year. 

The Yellow Jacket lead didn't last long as the Hornets stuck for a second time just 50 seconds later. Kalamazoo was then able to hold the 2-1 lead for the remainder of the match. 

The loss takes Defiances record to 1-3-0 on the season. The Yellow Jackets are next in action Wednesday, Sept. 12 as they travel back to Michigan to face Olivet College. The match is slated to kickoff at 4:00 pm.