Box Score OLIVET, Mich. - In their
biggest comeback of the season, the Trine University men's
soccer team overcame a late goal by Olivet College to score twice
in the final 13 minutes to win their season finale 2-1. The Thunder
end their season 8-10-1 and just one game under .500 in the
conference at 6-7-1 to finish fifth.
Despite the two teams combining for 18 shots in
the first half, neither team was able to find the back of the net
as the game remained scoreless.
Olivet would finally break the game open in the
61st minute as they scored on a give-and-go on a short shot just
inside the 6-yard box.
It wasn't looking good for the Thunder as
time was running out. But with just under 13 minutes left in the
game, senior Curtis Holcom (Converse, Ind./Oak Hill) scored his
nine goal of the season and the 26th and final goal of his career
to tie the game. Holcom received a pass from junior David Duquette
(Wilmington, Ohio/Wilmington) and ripped a shot to the near post
from 8 yards out.
The Thunder offense took charge from there as
they out-shot the Comets 12-8 in the final period. Just seven
minutes later, Holcom nearly put the ball away but his shot was
blocked. The ball then found its way to Duquette once again, who
led senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) in as he chipped the
ball over the head of the Olivet goalie into the net for the
eventual game-winner. The goal was Hilson's 12th of the
season and matched Holcom for a career total of 26.
Sophomore goalie Chris Stewart (Rochester Hills,
Mich./Rochester) made 11 stops on the afternoon to earn the
victory. Stewart finished the season playing every second between
the pipes in goal this season for the Thunder.
In their final collegiate game, Holcom and Hilson
led the Thunder with six and five shots respectively.
Hilson finished the conference season fourth with
20 points (9 goals, 2 assists). His 9 goals in conference play tied
him with two others for the MIAA lead along with four game-winning
goals.