Trine Earns Comeback Win in Season Finale
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 60th 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. 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 in over the head of the Olivet goalie 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 has played every minute 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 in points with 20 (9 goals, 2 assists). His 9 goals in conference play tied him with two other players for the MIAA lead along with four game-winning goals.
