Chances were few for the Hope College men's soccer team against a tough, disciplined opponent Saturday night.

Forward Alec Belcastro converted the shot the Flying Dutchmen needed for a 1-0 Community Day victory against Heidelberg University (Ohio) at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

The sophomore from Washington, Pennsylvania (Kiski School), pictured, took a pass from senior forward Logan Bylsma of Hudsonville, Michigan (Hudsonville HS) and buried a shot from 25 yards out 5 minutes, 22 seconds into the second half. 

Hope (4-2 overall) made the goal stand up with its third shutout of the season.

"I thought they were a tough team to play against. They were well-organized. They had a plan," head coach Dave Brandt said of the Student Princes of Heidelberg. " At the same time, we missed two really good headball chances in the first half. Against a stingy defensive team like that — they have a history of that, they're good at it — if you don't bury those chances, then you ask for a really, really tight battle. That's what it was. 

"To our credit, we hung in there and won the game, but it was a tough battle."

The Flying Dutchmen finished the non-league match with a 14-3 edge in shots, but quality scoring chances did not come easy.

Heidelberg goalkeeper Ryan Newman made three saves in all — two more than Hope keeper Blair McCormick of Wadsworth, Illinois (Warren Township).

Belcastro's second goal of the season proved to be the difference against Heidelberg (1-3), which has now allowed only four goals so far this season.